### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Nathanaḗl**, represented by `{{G3482}}`, is of Hebrew origin and identifies an Israelite and Christian disciple of Jesus. The name appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses**, with all occurrences found in the Gospel of John, highlighting his specific role in that narrative.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Nathanael's introduction to Jesus is initiated by Philip `{{G5376}}`, who tells him they have found the one written about by Moses `{{G3475}}` and the prophets `{{G4396}}` [[John 1:45]]. Initially skeptical, Nathanael questions if anything good `{{G18}}` can come from Nazareth `{{G3478}}` [[John 1:46]]. However, upon meeting Jesus, he is greeted with the declaration, "Behold `{{G2396}}` an Israelite `{{G2475}}` indeed, in whom is no guile `{{G1388}}`!" [[John 1:47]]. When Jesus reveals he saw `{{G1492}}` him under the fig tree `{{G4808}}` before Philip called him, Nathanael makes a profound confession, declaring Jesus to be the Son `{{G5207}}` of God and the King `{{G935}}` of Israel `{{G2474}}` [[John 1:48-49]]. He is later listed among the disciples in Cana `{{G2580}}` of Galilee `{{G1056}}` [[John 21:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to understanding Nathanael's encounter with Christ:
* `{{G5376}}` **Phílippos** (fond of horses; Philippus, the name of four Israelites:--Philip): The disciple who finds `{{G2147}}` Nathanael and invites him to meet Jesus [[John 1:45]].
* `{{G2475}}` **Israēlítēs** (an "Israelite", i.e. descendant of Israel): The identity Jesus bestows upon Nathanael, signifying his genuine character [[John 1:47]].
* `{{G1388}}` **dólos** (a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile:--craft, deceit, guile, subtilty): The quality that Jesus states is absent in Nathanael, highlighting his sincerity [[John 1:47]].
* `{{G4808}}` **sykē** (a fig-tree:--fig tree): The location where Jesus saw Nathanael, the revelation of which prompts Nathanael's confession [[John 1:48]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative of `{{G3482}}` carries significant theological weight, illustrating a model of coming to faith.
* **From Skepticism to Faith:** Nathanael's journey begins with doubt based on worldly prejudice ("Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?") but is transformed by a direct, supernatural encounter with Jesus ([[John 1:46]], [[John 1:48]]).
* **Divine Revelation:** Jesus's omniscience is the catalyst for Nathanael's belief. By knowing `{{G1097}}` where Nathanael was and his character, Jesus demonstrates a divine quality that transcends human understanding [[John 1:48]].
* **The True Israelite:** Jesus's description of Nathanael as an "Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile" [[John 1:47]] defines a true member of God's people not by lineage alone, but by a heart free of deceit `{{G1388}}`.
* **A Foundational Confession:** In response to this revelation, Nathanael makes one of the most complete and early confessions of faith, acknowledging Jesus as "Rabbi `{{G4461}}`," "the Son of God," and "the King of Israel" [[John 1:49]].
### Summary
In summary, Nathanael `{{G3482}}` is a key figure whose story provides a powerful template for discipleship. His narrative arc from initial skepticism to a full-throated confession of Christ's identity demonstrates that genuine faith is born from a personal revelation of Jesus's divine nature. His commendation as an Israelite without guile establishes a benchmark for the sincerity and integrity expected of a true disciple `{{G3101}}`.
TRV