John 1:42

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he brought {G71} him {G846} to {G4314} Jesus {G2424}. And {G1161} when Jesus {G2424} beheld {G1689} him {G846}, he said {G2036}, Thou {G4771} art {G1488} Simon {G4613} the son {G5207} of Jona {G2495}: thou {G4771} shalt be called {G2564} Cephas {G2786}, which {G3739} is by interpretation {G2059}, A stone {G4074}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He took him to Yeshua. Looking at him, Yeshua said, “You are Shim‘on Bar-Yochanan; you will be known as Kefa.” (The name means “rock.”)

Berean Standard Bible

Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).

American Standard Version

He brought him unto Jesus. Jesus looked upon him, and said, Thou art Simon the son of John: thou shalt be called Cephas (which is by interpretation, Peter).

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The profound initial encounter between Jesus and Simon, Andrew's brother, marking a pivotal moment in the formation of Jesus' disciples. In this encounter, Jesus demonstrates His divine foreknowledge by immediately identifying Simon and, more significantly, bestowing upon him a new name, "Cephas," which means "A stone." This renaming not only signifies a new identity and purpose for Simon but also foreshadows his future foundational role in the burgeoning Christian movement, highlighting Jesus' sovereign authority to call and transform individuals for His redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in John's Gospel, following John the Baptist's powerful testimony about Jesus as the "Lamb of God" and the subsequent calling of Jesus' first disciples. Andrew, having spent time with Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, immediately seeks out his brother, Simon, and brings him to Jesus. This act underscores the theme of personal evangelism and the ripple effect of genuine spiritual encounters. The narrative flow emphasizes the direct, personal nature of Jesus' calling, where individuals are invited to "come and see" [John 1:39](/john/1-39 "John 1:39 - Come and See") for themselves, leading to a profound recognition of His identity and authority. The renaming of Simon occurs at this very first meeting, highlighting its significance as a divine declaration rather than a gradual development.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, the act of renaming was a significant gesture, often signifying a change in status, a new covenant, or a divine appointment to a specific role or destiny. Examples include God renaming Abram to Abraham [Genesis 17:5](/genesis/17-5 "Genesis 17:5 - Renaming of Abram to Abraham") and Jacob to Israel [Genesis 32:28](/genesis/32-28 "Genesis 32:28 - Renaming of Jacob to Israel"). This practice conveyed authority and a profound shift in identity and purpose. Furthermore, Jesus' use of "Cephas" (Aramaic for "rock") alongside its Greek interpretation "Peter" (Petros) reflects the bilingual environment of first-century Galilee, where Aramaic was the common spoken language, and Greek was widely understood. The immediate recognition and renaming by Jesus would have been understood by contemporary audiences as a powerful, authoritative act, signaling Simon's unique destiny.
* **Key Themes:** John 1:42 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereign Calling**, as Jesus instantly perceives Simon's true identity and future potential, demonstrating His omniscience and intentional selection of His disciples. Secondly, the renaming to "Cephas" introduces the theme of **Transformation and New Identity in Christ**, where an individual's past is superseded by a divinely appointed future, reflecting God's ability to mold and repurpose lives. This new identity is not merely a label but a declaration of a new character and mission. Thirdly, the meaning of "rock" or "stone" **foreshadows Simon's foundational role** in the early church, not as the ultimate foundation (which is Christ Himself), but as a key leader and pillar, a concept further developed in passages like [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock of the Church"). Finally, Andrew's action of bringing Simon to Jesus powerfully illustrates the theme of **Personal Witnessing and Evangelism**, emphasizing the ripple effect of faith and the importance of introducing others to Christ.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **beheld (Greek, _emblépō'_):** From G1689, meaning "to look on, i.e. (relatively) to observe fixedly, or (absolutely) to discern clearly." This word choice is significant because it implies more than a casual glance. Jesus "beheld" Simon, suggesting a penetrating gaze that saw beyond his outward appearance, into his character, potential, and future. It speaks to Jesus' divine insight and His ability to truly know individuals, even at their first meeting.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** From G2564, meaning "to 'call' (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)." Jesus' declaration, "thou shalt be called Cephas," is a direct and authoritative pronouncement. It is not merely a suggestion or a nickname but a divine act of naming, signifying a new identity and purpose. This "calling" is active and transformative, indicating God's initiation in bestowing a new status.
* **Cephas (Chaldee, _Kēphâs'_):** From G2786, "the Rock; Cephas (i.e. Kepha), a surname of Peter." This is the Aramaic word for "rock" or "stone." Jesus, speaking in His native Aramaic, gives Simon this name, which is then immediately interpreted into Greek as "A stone" (G4074, _Pétros_). The name signifies stability, strength, and foundational quality, directly linking to Simon's future role as a pillar in the early Christian community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought him to Jesus":** This clause highlights Andrew's immediate and effective act of personal evangelism. Having encountered Jesus himself, Andrew's first priority is to share this life-changing experience with his brother, Simon. It demonstrates the natural outflow of a genuine encounter with Christ—a desire to introduce others to Him.
* **"And when Jesus beheld him":** This phrase emphasizes Jesus' divine perception. The word "beheld" (emblépō) suggests a penetrating gaze, indicating that Jesus saw not just Simon's physical presence but also his inner character, his potential, and his divinely appointed destiny. This is a testament to Jesus' omniscience and His ability to know the hearts of men.
* **"he said, "Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas,"":** Here, Jesus identifies Simon by his given name and lineage ("Simon the son of Jona") before immediately declaring his new name, "Cephas." This declaration is an authoritative act of renaming, signifying a profound shift in identity and purpose. It's a prophetic statement about who Simon will become, not just who he is.
* **"which is by interpretation, A stone":** This parenthetical explanation, provided by the Gospel writer, clarifies the meaning of "Cephas" for the Greek-speaking audience. "A stone" (Petros) is the Greek equivalent of the Aramaic "Cephas." This interpretation is crucial, as it immediately conveys the significance of Simon's new name, foreshadowing his future role as a steadfast and foundational figure in the early church.

#### Literary Devices
John 1:42 masterfully employs several literary devices. **Symbolism** is central, with the renaming of Simon to "Cephas" (meaning "stone" or "rock") serving as a powerful symbol of stability, strength, and foundational importance. This new name is not merely a label but a prophetic declaration of Simon's future character and role, despite his initial human weaknesses. This symbolic renaming also functions as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at Simon Peter's significant leadership position within the apostolic band and his instrumental role in the early church's development, as further elaborated in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter, the Rock of the Church"). Furthermore, there is an element of **Divine Irony** in that Simon, known for his impulsiveness and occasional wavering, is named "the Rock" by Jesus, highlighting God's ability to use imperfect individuals and transform them into pillars of faith, demonstrating His grace and power to perfect His strength in weakness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 1:42 profoundly illustrates God's sovereign initiative in calling individuals into His service, often seeing potential and purpose long before the individual themselves recognizes it. Jesus' immediate recognition and renaming of Simon underscore His divine authority and omniscience, demonstrating that His calling is based on His perfect knowledge and redemptive plan, not on human merit or pre-existing qualifications. This act of renaming signifies a new identity and a new destiny, a common theme throughout biblical history where God redefines individuals for His purposes, transforming their very being to align with His will. Simon's new name, "Cephas" or "Peter," meaning "rock," foreshadows his unique and foundational role in the nascent Christian community, serving as a key leader and a steadfast witness to Christ's resurrection, even though his own journey would involve moments of profound failure and restoration.

* [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus' Declaration about Peter as the Rock")
* [Isaiah 51:1-2](/isaiah/51-1-2 "Isaiah 51:1-2 - God's Call and Transformation")
* [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Believers as Living Stones")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 1:42 offers profound insights into the nature of divine calling and personal transformation that resonate deeply with believers today. Just as Jesus "beheld" Simon and saw beyond his current state to his future potential, so too does God see us not merely for who we are, but for who He is calling us to be in Christ. This verse reminds us that our identity in Christ is not self-made but divinely bestowed, a new name and purpose given by the One who knows us intimately and loves us unconditionally. It encourages us to embrace the new identity we receive through faith, trusting that God will equip us for the unique role He has for us, even if we feel inadequate. Furthermore, Andrew's simple yet powerful act of bringing his brother to Jesus serves as a timeless model for personal evangelism, demonstrating that the most effective way to share our faith is often through genuine relationships and direct invitation, allowing others to encounter Christ for themselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' immediate recognition and renaming of Simon challenge your understanding of God's knowledge of you and His plans for your life?**
* **In what ways have you experienced a "renaming" or a new identity in your walk with Christ, moving from who you were to who He is calling you to be?**
* **What "Andrews" in your life have introduced you to Jesus, and how can you be an "Andrew" for others, bringing them into an encounter with Christ?**
* **Considering Simon's transformation from a fisherman to "the Rock," what potential do you believe God sees in you, even in your current imperfections?**

### FAQ

**Why did Jesus rename Simon to Cephas/Peter?**

Answer: Jesus renamed Simon to Cephas (Aramaic for "rock") and its Greek equivalent, Peter, as a prophetic declaration of his future character and role. In ancient cultures, renaming by a figure of authority often signified a change in status, a new covenant, or a divine appointment to a specific mission. By giving Simon this new name, Jesus was not just giving him a nickname but declaring that he would become a steadfast and foundational leader in the early Christian church, despite his human frailties. This act highlights Jesus' divine foreknowledge and His sovereign authority to call and transform individuals for His redemptive purposes, as further emphasized in [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus' Declaration about Peter").

**What is the difference between "Cephas" and "Peter"?**

Answer: There is no theological difference; they are simply two different language words for the same concept. "Cephas" (Kēphâs) is the Aramaic word for "rock" or "stone," which was the common language spoken by Jesus and His disciples in Galilee. "Peter" (Petros) is the Greek equivalent of "Cephas," also meaning "stone" or "rock." The Gospel of John, written in Greek, provides the interpretation "which is by interpretation, A stone" to clarify the meaning of "Cephas" for its Greek-speaking audience. Both names convey the idea of stability, solidity, and foundational strength.

**Does this verse imply that Peter was the first Pope or the ultimate foundation of the church?**

Answer: While John 1:42 certainly highlights Peter's unique and foundational role among the apostles, particularly in the nascent stages of the church, it does not imply he was the ultimate foundation or the first Pope in the later hierarchical sense. The New Testament consistently presents Jesus Christ as the true and ultimate cornerstone and foundation of the church (e.g., [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation"); [Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). Peter's role as "the rock" is understood by many as foundational in the sense of being the first to confess Christ and a key leader in establishing the early church, but always in subordination to Christ Himself, who is the head of the church ([Ephesians 1:22-23](/ephesians/1-22-23 "Ephesians 1:22-23 - Christ the Head of the Church")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 1:42, with Jesus' renaming of Simon to "Cephas" (Aramaic for "rock"), finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment not in Peter's inherent strength, but in the One who bestows the name: Jesus Christ Himself. While Peter would indeed become a foundational figure in the early church, his stability and leadership were always derived from and dependent upon Christ. Jesus is the true and ultimate "Rock," the "cornerstone" upon which God's spiritual house is built, as declared in [1 Corinthians 10:4](/1_corinthians/10-4 "1 Corinthians 10:4 - Christ the Spiritual Rock") and [1 Peter 2:6-8](/1_peter/2-6-8 "1 Peter 2:6-8 - Christ the Living Stone and Cornerstone"). Peter's transformation from a fallible fisherman to "the Rock" is a microcosm of the greater redemptive work of Christ, who transforms all who come to Him into "living stones" built into a spiritual house ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Living Stones")). Thus, John 1:42 points beyond Peter to the sovereign power of Jesus, who not only knows the hearts of all but also possesses the authority to call, transform, and empower His followers, making them participants in His divine mission and building His church upon the unshakeable foundation of His own person and finished work ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus' Declaration about Peter as the Rock")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:5

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

John 21:15

¶ So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

John 21:17

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, [son] of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

1 Corinthians 3:22

Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

1 Corinthians 1:12

Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

Matthew 10:2

Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James [the son] of Zebedee, and John his brother;

Galatians 2:9

And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.