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Verse Takeaways
1
An Israelite Indeed
Commentators explain that Jesus's praise for Nathanael defines an ideal believer. To be an "Israelite indeed" is not about heritage but about having a sincere heart. The phrase "in whom is no guile" signifies a person free from hypocrisy, deceit, and craftiness. Several scholars note this contrasts Nathanael with the patriarch Jacob, who was known for his guile, presenting Nathanael as a true heir to the spiritual name "Israel."
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John
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On John 1:47
18th Century
Theologian
An Israelite indeed — One who is truly an Israelite — not by birth only, but one worthy of the name. One who possesses the spirit, the pie…
AT Robertson
On John 1:47
Behold (ιδε). Here an exclamation () as often like ιδου.
An Israelite indeed (αληθως Ισραηλειτης). "Truly …
Charles Ellicott
On John 1:47
19th Century
Bishop
Jesus saw Nathanael coming.—Nathanael is at once willing that his prejudice should give way before the force of truth. He is comin…
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Charles Spurgeon
On John 1:47
19th Century
Preacher
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and says of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! (John 1:47)
There …
John Calvin
On John 1:47
16th Century
Theologian
Behold, one truly an Israelite. It is not on Nathanael’s own account that Christ bestows this commendation on him, but through him, He pre…
John Gill
On John 1:47
17th Century
Pastor
Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him
For notwithstanding his prejudices, he was a man of so much uprightness and honest…
Matthew Henry
On John 1:43–51
17th Century
Minister
See the nature of true Christianity: it is following Jesus, devoting ourselves to Him, and walking in His steps. Observe the objection Nathanael ma…