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John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.

He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not.

But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.

And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

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

Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.

What does John 1:50 mean?

Explanation

John 1:50 recounts a response from Jesus to Nathanael, who has just professed Jesus as the "Son of God" and the "King of Israel" after Jesus demonstrated supernatural knowledge about Nathanael's whereabouts before Philip called him.

Impressed by this knowledge, Nathanael believed in Jesus, to which Jesus replied that if Nathanael believed because of this simple revelation, then he would witness even more remarkable events.

The phrase "greater things than these" suggests that Jesus is speaking of future miracles and teachings that will reveal the glory, power, and divine nature of Jesus more fully.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of John, written approximately between AD 90 and 110.

The Gospel was authored in an era when early Christians were defining their beliefs and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.

At this time, recounting Jesus' miracles and interactions was crucial for establishing his divine authority and inspiring faith in followers.

Nathanael's meeting with Jesus is specific to John's Gospel and is set in the context of Jesus calling his first disciples.

Theological Insights

Theologically, John 1:50 touches upon the themes of faith and revelation. It illustrates the idea that initial faith, even if based on a singular event or miracle, is a starting point that can lead to greater understanding and experiences of the divine.

Some theologians may see it as a precursor to a journey of faith, where initial belief is rewarded with the revelation of deeper spiritual truths. It can also be interpreted as an encouragement to remain open to the mysteries of God's works, which surpass human understanding.

Practical Applications

In a modern context, this verse can be applied to encourage individuals in their personal faith journey, suggesting that initial belief might lead to experiences that further solidify and deepen one's faith.

It can also inspire a mindset of anticipation for the unexpected ways in which one's understanding of spirituality and God's presence in the world can grow.

Cross-References

John 14:12 - "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father."
John 20:29 - "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Language Study

The key phrase in John 1:50 is "greater things than these" (Greek: μείζων τούτων).

The word "meizon" (μείζων) denotes something greater in quality or quantity, and carries a sense of surpassing or excelling.

It is used in comparison with the miracle Jesus performed that elicited Nathanael's belief.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Across various cultures and religions, the concept of an initial revelation leading to greater spiritual enlightenment is common.

In Buddhism, for example, an initial insight into the nature of suffering can lead to deeper wisdom and eventually enlightenment.

In Hinduism, an initial experience of spiritual awakening can lead to an expanded consciousness.

The idea that initial faith or knowledge serves as a prelude to more profound experiences is a universal theme seen in many religious traditions.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse itself does not align directly with scientific understandings, the concept of someone witnessing "greater things" could metaphorically parallel the idea of scientific discovery.

Just as Nathanael's initial belief leads to deeper experiences, the pursuit of knowledge in one area of science often opens doors to more significant discoveries and understandings.

Commentaries

Commentaries on John 1:50 vary in focus.

Some emphasize Jesus' foreknowledge and divinity as evidence of his Messiahship, while others consider the anticipation of witnessing greater signs and wonders as an integral part of Christian faith.

Scholars like Matthew Henry and William Barclay note that Jesus promises the expansion of Nathanael's understanding and experiences.

This verse is often discussed in terms of its promise of greater divine revelation to those who believe.

John 1

John 1

What does John 1:50 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 1:50 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?