John 1:49
New International Version
Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

New Living Translation
Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”

English Standard Version
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Berean Standard Bible
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Berean Literal Bible
Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are King of Israel."

King James Bible
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

New King James Version
Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

New American Standard Bible
Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!”

NASB 1995
Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

NASB 1977
Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

Amplified Bible
Nathanael answered, “Rabbi (Teacher), You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”

Christian Standard Bible
“Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel! ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

American Standard Version
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.

Contemporary English Version
Nathanael said, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God and the King of Israel!"

English Revised Version
Nathanael answered him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art King of Israel.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Nathanael said to Jesus, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the king of Israel!"

Good News Translation
"Teacher," answered Nathanael, "you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

International Standard Version
Nathaniel replied to him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!"

Majority Standard Bible
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

NET Bible
Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel!"

New Heart English Bible
Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are King of Israel."

Webster's Bible Translation
Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rabbi," cried Nathanael, "you are the Son of God, you are Israel's King!"

World English Bible
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Nathanael answered and says to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God, You are the King of Israel.”

Berean Literal Bible
Nathanael answered Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are King of Israel."

Young's Literal Translation
Nathanael answered and saith to him, 'Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel.'

Smith's Literal Translation
Nathanael answers and says to him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Nathanael answered him, and said: Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the King of Israel.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Nathanael answered him and said: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.”

New American Bible
Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

New Revised Standard Version
Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nathanael answered, saying to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Nathaniel answered and said to him: “Rabbi, you are The Son of God; you are The King of Israel.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Nathaniel said to him: How knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said to him: Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig-tree, I saw you.

Godbey New Testament
Nathanael responded, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, the King of Israel.

Haweis New Testament
Nathaniel answered and said to him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel.

Mace New Testament
Nathanael answered, rabbi, thou art the son of God, thou art the king of Israel.

Weymouth New Testament
"Rabbi," cried Nathanael, "you are the Son of God, you are Israel's King!"

Worrell New Testament
Nathaniel answered Him, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel."

Worsley New Testament
Nathaniel replied, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the king of Israel.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael
48“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”…

Cross References
Matthew 16:16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

Matthew 14:33
Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God!”

John 20:28
Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”

Mark 1:1
This is the beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

John 11:27
“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

John 6:69
We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Matthew 26:63-64
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him, “I charge You under oath by the living God: Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God.” / “You have said it yourself,” Jesus answered. “But I say to all of you, from now on you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.”

John 12:13
They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting: “Hosanna!” “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the King of Israel!”

John 19:7
“We have a law,” answered the Jews, “and according to that law He must die, because He declared Himself to be the Son of God.”

Romans 1:4
and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by His resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord.

Hebrews 1:2
But in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe.

2 Samuel 7:14
I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men.

Psalm 2:7
I will proclaim the decree spoken to Me by the LORD: “You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.

Isaiah 9:6-7
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. / Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.


Treasury of Scripture

Nathanael answered and said to him, Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.

Rabbi.

John 1:38
Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

thou.

John 1:18,34
No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him

John 20:28,29
And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God…

Matthew 14:33
Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, Of a truth thou art the Son of God.

the King.

John 12:13-15
Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord…

John 18:37
Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.

John 19:19-22
And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS…

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John 1
1. The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.
15. The testimony of John.
39. The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and Nathanael














Nathanael declared
In this opening phrase, we see Nathanael, a figure who is often associated with skepticism and a quest for truth. His declaration is significant because it marks a turning point from doubt to faith. The Greek word used here for "declared" is "ἀποκρίνομαι" (apokrinomai), which implies a response or an answer. This suggests that Nathanael's statement is not just a casual remark but a profound acknowledgment in response to the revelation of Jesus' identity. Historically, Nathanael is believed to be the same as Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, indicating his importance in the early Christian community.

“Rabbi
The term "Rabbi" is a respectful title meaning "teacher" or "master" in Hebrew. It reflects Nathanael's recognition of Jesus' authority and wisdom. In the Jewish tradition, a Rabbi was someone who was highly respected for their knowledge of the Scriptures and their ability to teach others. By addressing Jesus as "Rabbi," Nathanael acknowledges Him as a spiritual leader and guide, which is a significant step for someone who initially questioned whether anything good could come from Nazareth (John 1:46).

You are the Son of God
This phrase is a profound confession of faith. The title "Son of God" is a messianic title that signifies a unique relationship with God, implying divinity and authority. In the Jewish context, calling someone the "Son of God" was a recognition of their divine mission and status. The Greek term "υἱὸς τοῦ Θεοῦ" (huios tou Theou) emphasizes this special relationship. Nathanael's declaration is remarkable because it shows his immediate recognition of Jesus' divine nature, a truth that is central to Christian belief.

You are the King of Israel.”
By calling Jesus the "King of Israel," Nathanael acknowledges Him as the promised Messiah, the anointed one who would fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. The term "King" in Greek is "βασιλεὺς" (basileus), which denotes a ruler with authority and power. In the historical context, Israel was under Roman occupation, and the hope for a messianic king who would restore Israel's sovereignty was strong. Nathanael's use of this title indicates his belief that Jesus is the one who will fulfill God's promises to His people, not in a political sense, but in a spiritual and eternal kingdom. This recognition aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that sees Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the eternal King who reigns over the hearts of believers.

(49) Thou art the Son of God.--The recognition begets recognition. That strange Presence he had felt as a spiritual power quickening hope and thought, making prophets' words living truths, filling with a true meaning the current beliefs about the Messiah;--yes; it goes through and through him again now. It is there before him. "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel." (For these titles as existing in the Messianic expectation of the day, comp. John 11:27; John 12:13; John 12:15; Matthew 26:63; Mark 3:11; Mark 5:7. See also Note on the quotation from Zech. in Matthew 21:5.) . . . Verse 49. - Nathanael was overcome by irresistible conviction that here was the Searcher of hearts, One gifted with strange powers of sympathy, and with right to claim obedience. Answered him - now for the first time with the title of Rabbi, or teacher - Thou art the Son of God. Nothing is more obvious than that this is the reflection of the testimony of the Baptist. "The Son of God," not "a Son of God," or "a Man of God," but the Personage whose rank and glory my master John had recognized. He may have doubted before whether the Baptist had not gone wild with hallucination, and could have meant what he said. Now the reality has flashed upon his mind from the glance of the Saviour's eye and the tones of his voice (see notes on ver. 34). The great term could not have meant to him what it does now to the Church. Still the truth involved in his words is of priceless significance. Luthardt says, "Nathanael's faith will never possess more than it embraces at this moment." Godet adds, "The gold seeker puts his hand on an ingot; when he has coined it, he has it better, but not more." The idea of the Divine sonship comes from the Old Testament prophecy, has its root in Psalm 2 and 72, and in all the strange wonderful literature which recognized in the ideal King upon Zion and upon David's throne One who forevermore has stood and will stand in personal relations with the Father. The Divine sonship is the basis on which Nathanael rears his further faith that he is the King of Israel. He is Messiah-King, because he is "Son of God." The true Israelite recognizes his King (cf. Luke 1:32; Matthew 2:2; John 12:13). We are not bound to believe that Nathanael saw all that Peter subsequently confessed to be the unanimous conviction of the twelve (John 6:69; Matthew 16:16); but the various symphonies of this great confession encompass the Lord from his cradle to the cross. The synoptic narrative is as expressive and convincing as the Johannine.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
“Rabbi,”
Ῥαββί (Rhabbi)
Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4461: Of Hebrew origin; my master, i.e Rabbi, as an official title of honor.

Nathanael
Ναθαναήλ (Nathanaēl)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3482: Of Hebrew origin; Nathanael, an Israelite and Christian.

answered,
Ἀπεκρίθη (Apekrithē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 611: From apo and krino; to conclude for oneself, i.e. to respond; by Hebraism to begin to speak.

“You
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Son
Υἱὸς (Huios)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5207: A son, descendent. Apparently a primary word; a 'son', used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship.

of God!
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

You
σὺ (sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

are
εἶ (ei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

the King
Βασιλεὺς (Basileus)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

of Israel!”
Ἰσραήλ (Israēl)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2474: Of Hebrew origin; Israel, the adopted name of Jacob, including his descendants.


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