0

What did Jesus mean in John chapter 1:47 when he said, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit"?



      

John 1:47

NKJV - 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!

Clarify Share Report Asked September 11 2019 Image Jayakumar sa Supporter

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

2
Mini Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army
As indicated in John 1:44-46, when Philip told his friend Nathanael that he had found the Messiah, and that the Messiah's name was Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael had responded, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" This comment (as harsh as it might have seemed) reflected Nazareth's commonly perceived status as an inconsequential Galilean town that could not possibly be connected with an event as momentous as the coming of the Messiah. It was also an honest expression of this sentiment on Nathanael's part, who did not disguise or "sugar-coat" his opinions.

Despite Nathanael's apparent doubt, he went with Philip to meet Jesus. And before Nathanael had even had a chance to speak, Jesus (despite knowing what Nathanael had said about Nazareth) did not criticize Nathanael for it, but instead made a favorable comment about the honesty (that is, the lack of guile or deceit) that Nathanael had displayed in voicing his opinion (even though Jesus had not been present when Nathanael did so). 

When Jesus further indicated His knowledge of what Nathanael had been doing before Philip had previously spoken to him (indicating to Nathanael that Jesus was omnisicent), Nathanael (despite his previous skepticism) acknowledged Jesus as the Son of God, and as the King of Israel.

September 11 2019 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining