John 1:47

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

Jesus {G2424} saw {G1492} Nathanael {G3482} coming {G2064} to {G4314} him {G846}, and {G2532} saith {G3004} of {G4012} him {G846}, Behold {G2396} an Israelite {G2475} indeed {G230}, in {G1722} whom {G3739} is {G2076} no {G3756} guile {G1388}!

Yeshua saw Natan’el coming toward him and remarked about him, “Here’s a true son of Isra’el — nothing false in him!”

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”

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

Context

In John 1:47, Jesus encounters Nathanael, who was brought to Him by Philip. Nathanael's initial reaction was skepticism, famously asking, "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46). Despite this initial doubt, Jesus' immediate and profound assessment of Nathanael reveals His divine insight and knowledge of human hearts, setting the stage for Nathanael's subsequent belief.

Key Themes

  • Divine Discernment: Jesus' statement about Nathanael demonstrates His supernatural ability to perceive a person's inner character and motives, even before any extensive interaction. This highlights His omniscience and divine nature, a recurring theme in John's Gospel (e.g., John 2:25, John 4:29).
  • Sincerity and Integrity: The core of Jesus' compliment is Nathanael's lack of "guile." This speaks to his honesty, straightforwardness, and genuine character. He was not deceitful or hypocritical, but truly authentic in his thoughts and questions, even his initial skepticism.
  • The True Israelite: Jesus identifies Nathanael as "an Israelite indeed." This isn't merely about ethnic heritage but about spiritual authenticity. It contrasts with the historical figure of Jacob (who was renamed Israel), who initially gained his blessing through cunning and "guile" (Genesis 27:35). Nathanael represents a true heir of the covenant promises, one whose heart aligns with God's desire for truth and sincerity.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "guile" is dolos (δόλος), which signifies deceit, craftiness, trickery, or treachery. To be "without guile" means to be free from any hidden agenda, manipulation, or hypocrisy. This quality is highly valued in Scripture, often associated with blessing and righteousness, as seen in Psalm 32:2: "Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no guile."

Practical Application

This verse challenges believers to cultivate a spirit of sincerity and integrity. God sees beyond outward appearances and desires truth in the inward parts. Nathanael's example encourages us to be genuine in our faith, open with our questions and doubts, and honest in our dealings with God and others. Living "without guile" means striving for transparency, humility, and authentic devotion, knowing that Jesus truly knows our hearts. It is a call to be a "true Israelite" – a genuine follower of Christ – characterized by an undivided and sincere heart.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 14:5

    And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.

  • Psalms 32:2

    Blessed [is] the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit [there is] no guile.

  • Psalms 73:1

    ¶ A Psalm of Asaph. Truly God [is] good to Israel, [even] to such as are of a clean heart.

  • Romans 9:4

    Who are Israelites; to whom [pertaineth] the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service [of God], and the promises;

  • Romans 9:6

    ¶ Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not all Israel, which are of Israel:

  • Romans 2:28

    For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither [is that] circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

  • Romans 2:29

    But he [is] a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision [is that] of the heart, in the spirit, [and] not in the letter; whose praise [is] not of men, but of God.

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