King James Version

What Does John 1:46 Mean?

John 1:46 in the King James Version says “And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

John 1:46 · KJV


Context

44

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

45

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

46

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

47

Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

48

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nathanael's skepticism—'Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?'—reflects regional prejudice. Nazareth was an obscure Galilean village without prophetic significance. Yet Philip's response—'Come and see'—invites investigation rather than argument. Skepticism is best answered by encounter with Christ Himself. Philip doesn't debate geography but offers experience. This approach models effective apologetics: address objections by directing to Christ.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nazareth was unmentioned in the Old Testament, Josephus, or the Talmud. No prophecy predicted Messiah would come from there (though 'Nazarene' may relate to 'netzer,' the Branch of Isaiah 11:1). Nathanael's question reflects common sentiment—could anything significant emerge from such insignificance? God's pattern of using the despised and weak shines through.

Reflection Questions

  1. What prejudices or assumptions might blind us to recognizing Christ's work?
  2. How can 'Come and see' serve as an effective response to skepticism?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

And

G2532

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

εἶπεν2 of 16

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ3 of 16

unto 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

Ναθαναήλ4 of 16

Nathanael

G3482

nathanal (i.e., nathanel), an israelite and christian

Ἐκ5 of 16

out of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

Ναζαρὲτ6 of 16

Nazareth

G3478

nazareth or nazaret, a place in palestine

δύναταί7 of 16

Can

G1410

to be able or possible

τι8 of 16

there any

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀγαθὸν9 of 16

good thing

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

εἶναι10 of 16

come

G1511

to exist

λέγει11 of 16

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ12 of 16

unto 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

Φίλιππος13 of 16

Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

Ἔρχου14 of 16

Come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

καὶ15 of 16

And

G2532

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

ἴδε16 of 16

see

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl


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 1:46 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 1:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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