Devine Scripture

John 1:44

What does John 1:44 mean?

A plain-English look at John 1:44 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 1:44 means

This verse provides a detail about Philip's origin, stating he was from Bethsaida, the same city as Andrew and Peter. This geographical connection suggests that Philip likely knew Andrew and Peter, perhaps even being familiar with John the Baptist's ministry. This shared hometown would have provided a natural network for the initial spread of the Gospel, highlighting the importance of community and existing relationships in the early days of discipleship.

John 1:44 in context

John 1 — The Word Made Flesh

John lifts the curtain higher than any other Gospel. Before there was a Bethlehem, there was the Word — with God, who was God, by whom all things were made. The same Word who was the agent of creation became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. John the Baptist points him out as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world; the first disciples follow him; Nathanael confesses him as the Son of God and King of Israel. The eternal becomes near enough to touch.

  • Pre-existence of Christ
  • Incarnation
  • Light and life
  • First disciples

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now Philip's town was Beth-saida, where Andrew and Peter came from.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.

Context

This verse briefly provides the hometown of Philip, establishing a connection between him and the previously called disciples, Andrew and Peter. This detail serves to illustrate the burgeoning community forming around Jesus and helps to explain how Philip might have been receptive to Jesus' call or even aware of John's ministry. It thus provides a natural transition to Philip immediately bringing another individual, Nathanael, to Jesus, highlighting the relational spread of the message.

v.43On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.

v.44This passage

v.45Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 12:21

    these therefore came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus.

  • Matthew 10:3

    Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphæus, and Thaddæus;

  • Matthew 11:21

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon which were done in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

  • Luke 9:10

    And the apostles, when they were returned, declared unto him what things they had done. And he took them, and withdrew apart to a city called Bethsaida.

  • Mark 6:45

    And straightway he constrained his disciples to enter into the boat, and to go before him unto the other side to Bethsaida, while he himself sendeth the multitude away.

  • Luke 10:13

    Woe unto thee, Chorazin! woe unto thee, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Sidon, which were done in you, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

Sermon ideas from John 1:44

Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.

  • What John 1:44 teaches us about pre-existence of christ

  • What John 1:44 teaches us about incarnation

  • What John 1:44 teaches us about light and life

  • What John 1:44 teaches us about first disciples

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