• John 1:47
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 47 εἶδεν Saw Ἰησοῦς Jesus τὸν the Ναθαναὴλ Nathanael ἐρχόμενον coming πρὸς toward αὐτὸν him καὶ and λέγει he is saying περὶ about αὐτοῦ him Ἴδε See ἀληθῶς truly Ἰσραηλείτης Israelite ἐν in ᾧ whom δόλος deceit οὐκ not ἔστιν. is.

  • John Study Notes—Chapter 1
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 1:47

      truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit: All descendants of Jacob were Israelites, but Jesus was no doubt referring to something more than fleshly kinship. The name Israel means “Contender (Perseverer) With God” and was given to Jacob after he wrestled with an angel in order to obtain a blessing. Unlike his brother, Esau, Jacob appreciated sacred things and was willing to exert himself vigorously to gain God’s favor. (Ge 32:22-28; Heb 12:16) Jesus’ words to Nathanael indicated that he was an Israelite not merely by birth but by manifesting the same kind of faith and adherence to God’s will that his forefather Jacob did. Jesus’ words (which may reflect Ps 32:2) also indicate that there was nothing hypocritical or devious about Nathanael.