Nathan'a-el, also spelled Nathanael, is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John. He is traditionally identified with Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ, although the synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) do not mention him by the name Nathan'a-el. His account and character are primarily found in John 1:43-51.

Biblical Account:

Nathan'a-el is introduced in the Gospel of John when Philip, who had just been called by Jesus, finds Nathan'a-el and tells him, "We have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, the One the prophets foretold—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph" (John 1:45). Nathan'a-el's initial skepticism is evident in his response, "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" (John 1:46). This question reflects a common prejudice of the time, as Nazareth was a small and seemingly insignificant town.

Despite his doubts, Nathan'a-el accepts Philip's invitation to "come and see" (John 1:46). Upon meeting Nathan'a-el, Jesus declares, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit" (John 1:47). This statement highlights Nathan'a-el's sincerity and integrity, qualities that Jesus immediately recognizes.

Nathan'a-el is astonished by Jesus' knowledge of him and asks, "How do You know me?" (John 1:48). Jesus replies, "Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree" (John 1:48). This revelation prompts Nathan'a-el to confess his faith, saying, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel" (John 1:49). Jesus responds by assuring Nathan'a-el that he will witness even greater things, including the vision of "heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (John 1:51).

Theological Significance:

Nathan'a-el's encounter with Jesus is significant for several reasons. First, it demonstrates the transformative power of a personal encounter with Christ. Despite his initial skepticism, Nathan'a-el's heart is changed upon meeting Jesus, leading to a profound confession of faith. This transformation underscores the theme of revelation and recognition that runs throughout the Gospel of John.

Second, Nathan'a-el's account highlights the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the person of Jesus. His acknowledgment of Jesus as the "Son of God" and "King of Israel" reflects the messianic expectations rooted in Jewish tradition. Jesus' reference to the vision of angels ascending and descending alludes to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28:12, further emphasizing Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth.

Tradition and Legacy:

While Nathan'a-el is not mentioned by name in the synoptic Gospels, early Christian tradition often associates him with Bartholomew, one of the Twelve Apostles. This identification is based on the pairing of Philip and Bartholomew in the synoptic lists of apostles, similar to the pairing of Philip and Nathan'a-el in John.

Nathan'a-el's legacy is one of faith and integrity. His account serves as an example of how an honest seeker of truth can come to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. His initial doubt, followed by a declaration of faith, resonates with believers who may struggle with skepticism but are open to the truth of the Gospel.Nathan'a-el (6 Occurrences)

John 1:45
Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith to him, 'Him of whom Moses wrote in the Law, and the prophets, we have found, Jesus the son of Joseph, who 'is' from Nazareth;'
(See RSV)

John 1:46
and Nathanael said to him, 'Out of Nazareth is any good thing able to be?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'
(See RSV)

John 1:47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming unto him, and he saith concerning him, 'Lo, truly an Israelite, in whom guile is not;'
(See RSV)

John 1:48
Nathanael saith to him, 'Whence me dost thou know?' Jesus answered and said to him, 'Before Philip's calling thee -- thou being under the fig-tree -- I saw thee.'
(See RSV)

John 1:49
Nathanael answered and saith to him, 'Rabbi, thou art the Son of God, thou art the king of Israel.'
(See RSV)

John 21:2
There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas who is called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee, and the 'sons' of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples.
(See RSV)

Nathan'a-el (6 Occurrences)
Nathan'a-el. Nathanael, Nathan'a-el. Nathaneel . Multi-Version Concordance
Nathan'a-el (6 Occurrences). John 1:45 Philip findeth ...
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Nathanael (6 Occurrences)

/n/nathanael.htm - 13k

Nathaneel (2 Occurrences)

/n/nathaneel.htm - 6k

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