King James Version

What Does John 1:42 Mean?

John 1:42 in the King James Version says “And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Ce...” — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.”

John 1:42 · KJV

Context

40

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. the Christ: or, the Anointed

42

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

43

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

44

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Andrew brings Simon to Jesus, who immediately renames him: 'Thou art Simon... thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.' Jesus sees not just who Simon is but who he will become. The name change from Simon (heard) to Peter/Cephas (rock/stone) prophesies transformation. The unstable fisherman will become a foundational apostle. This naming demonstrates Christ's authority and foreknowledge, and His power to transform character.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Name changes in Scripture signify new identity and calling—Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel. Peter's new name anticipates his role in the early church. Despite his failures (denials, rebukes), Peter became a rock of stability and leadership. This verse encourages believers that Christ sees their potential, not just their present condition.

Reflection Questions

  1. What transformation has Christ worked in your character that you never thought possible?
  2. How does Christ's foreknowledge of Peter's failures and restoration encourage you in your weaknesses?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 24 words
καὶ1 of 24

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἤγαγεν2 of 24

“he brought”

G71

properly, to lead; by implication, to bring, drive, (reflexively) go, (specially) pass (time), or (figuratively) induce

αὐτῷ3 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

πρὸς4 of 24

“to”

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

τὸν5 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς6 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐμβλέψας7 of 24

“beheld”

G1689

to look on, i.e., (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly

δὲ8 of 24

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτῷ9 of 24

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὁ10 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς11 of 24

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

εἶπεν12 of 24

“he said”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

σὺ13 of 24

“Thou”

G4771

thou

εἶ14 of 24

“art”

G1488

thou art

Σίμων15 of 24

“Simon”

G4613

simon (i.e., shimon), the name of nine israelites

ὁ16 of 24
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς17 of 24

“the son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

Ἰωνᾶ·18 of 24

“of Jona”

G2495

jonas (i.e., jonah), the name of two israelites

σὺ19 of 24

“Thou”

G4771

thou

κληθήσῃ20 of 24

“shalt be called”

G2564

to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)

Κηφᾶς21 of 24

“Cephas”

G2786

the rock; cephas (i.e., kepha), a surname of peter

ὃ22 of 24

“which”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἑρμηνεύεται23 of 24

“is by interpretation”

G2059

to translate

Πέτρος24 of 24

“A stone”

G4074

a (piece of) rock (larger than g3037); as a name, petrus, an apostle

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 1:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 1:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 3:22John 21:15-171 Corinthians 15:51 Corinthians 1:12Galatians 2:91 Corinthians 9:5

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