King James Version
What Does John 1:50 Mean?
“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.”
John 1:50 · KJV
Context
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.
51
And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryJesus affirms Nathanael's faith but points to greater things: 'Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.' Initial faith based on supernatural knowledge will deepen through greater revelation. The 'greater things' include Christ's signs, teaching, death, and resurrection. Faith begins somewhere but should never stop growing. What convinced Nathanael is merely the beginning of revelation.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Nathanael would witness water become wine, the dead raised, and ultimately the risen Lord. Each sign deepened faith. Jesus encourages believers that initial faith, while genuine, opens the door to greater revelation. The Christian life is progressive discovery of Christ's inexhaustible glory.
Reflection Questions
- What 'greater things' has Christ revealed to you since your initial faith?
- How does Jesus' promise of greater revelation encourage you to press deeper into knowing Him?
Original Language Analysis
Greek · 17 wordsἀπεκρίθη1 of 17
“answered”
G611to conclude for oneself, i.e., (by implication) to respond; by hebraism (compare h6030) to begin to speak (where an address is expected)
Ἰησοῦς2 of 17
“Jesus”
G2424jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ3 of 17
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῷ5 of 17
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἶδόν9 of 17
“I saw”
G1492used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πιστεύεις14 of 17
“believest thou”
G4100to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὄψει17 of 17
“thou shalt see”
G3700to gaze (i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable; and thus differing from g0991, which denotes simply voluntary observation; and from g1
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 1:50 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 1:50 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge