Disciple of Jesus, from Cana in Galilee.
Nathanael
Named in 6 verses of John, first in John 1:45.
ΝαθαναήλNathanael
The name means “the gift of God.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Nathanael Written by AI
Nathanael, also identified as Bartholomew in the Synoptic Gospels, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. He is introduced in the Gospel of John when Philip, who had just begun following Jesus, found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). Initially skeptical, Nathanael questioned, "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46). However, when Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he declared, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). Surprised, Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, to which Jesus replied that he had seen him under the fig tree before Philip called him (John 1:48). This revelation prompted Nathanael to confess, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel" (John 1:49). Jesus commended Nathanael's faith and promised that he would see even greater things, alluding to the miracles and divine revelations that would follow. Nathanael is mentioned again in John 21:2 as one of the disciples who went fishing with Peter after Jesus' resurrection. He was present when Jesus appeared to them on the shore of the Sea of Tiberias and performed the miraculous catch of fish. Although little is known about Nathanael's life beyond these brief mentions, his inclusion among the twelve disciples highlights his importance in Jesus' ministry. His initial skepticism and subsequent confession of faith demonstrate the transformative power of encountering Jesus and the depth of his commitment to following him. Tradition holds that Nathanael, under the name Bartholomew, went on to preach the gospel in various regions, including India and Armenia, where he is said to have been martyred for his faith.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Given or gift of God, one of our Lord’s disciples, “of Cana in Galilee” (John 21:2). He was “an Israelite indeed, in whom was no guile” (1:47, 48). His name occurs only in the Gospel of John, who in his list of the disciples never mentions Bartholomew, with whom he has consequently been identified. He was one of those to whom the Lord showed himself alive after his resurrection, at the Sea of Tiberias.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- John 1:45
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
- John 1:46
“Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.
- John 1:47
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
- John 1:48
“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”
- John 1:49
“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
- John 21:2
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.