King James Version

What Does John 1:48 Mean?

John 1:48 in the King James Version says “Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when... — study this verse from John chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

John 1:48 · KJV


Context

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.

49

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

50

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Nathanael's astonished question—'Whence knowest thou me?'—exposes the supernatural nature of Jesus' knowledge. Jesus reveals He saw Nathanael 'under the fig tree' before Philip called him. This detail, unknown to any human witness, demonstrates divine omniscience. The fig tree may have been Nathanael's place of private prayer or Scripture meditation. Jesus sees into hidden places and knows us intimately before we know Him.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Sitting under one's fig tree was a common metaphor for peace, security, and particularly Torah study (Micah 4:4, Zechariah 3:10). Rabbis often taught under trees. Jesus' knowledge of this private moment convinced Nathanael of Jesus' supernatural identity. The Lord knows our hidden devotion as well as our hidden sins.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Jesus' supernatural knowledge of Nathanael affect your understanding of Christ's omniscience?
  2. What 'fig tree' moments of private devotion might Jesus have witnessed in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
λέγει1 of 23

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

αὐτῷ2 of 23

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

Ναθαναήλ3 of 23

Nathanael

G3482

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

Πόθεν4 of 23

Whence

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

με5 of 23

me

G3165

me

γινώσκεις6 of 23

knowest thou

G1097

to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)

ἀπεκρίθη7 of 23

answered

G611

to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)

8 of 23
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς9 of 23

Jesus

G2424

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

καὶ10 of 23

and

G2532

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

εἶπεν11 of 23

said

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

αὐτῷ12 of 23

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

Πρὸ13 of 23

Before

G4253

"fore", i.e., in front of, prior (figuratively, superior) to

τοῦ14 of 23
G3588

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

σε15 of 23

thee

G4571

thee

Φίλιππον16 of 23

that Philip

G5376

fond of horses; philippus, the name of four israelites

φωνῆσαι17 of 23

called

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

ὄντα18 of 23

when thou wast

G5607

being

ὑπὸ19 of 23

under

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τὴν20 of 23
G3588

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

συκῆν21 of 23

the fig tree

G4808

a fig-tree

εἶδόν22 of 23

I saw

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

σε23 of 23

thee

G4571

thee


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 1:48 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 1:48 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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