Devine Scripture

John 1:45

What does John 1:45 mean?

A plain-English look at John 1:45 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 1:45 means

Philip, having just been called by Jesus, immediately seeks out Nathanael and declares, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Philip's statement reveals his rapid understanding of Jesus' identity as the promised Messiah, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy. He identifies Jesus by His hometown and earthly parentage, a common way of identifying people at the time, but importantly connects Jesus to divine revelation.

John 1:45 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

Philip 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Philip 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Philip came across Nathanael and said to him, We have made a discovery! It is he of whom Moses, in the law, and the prophets were writing, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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 <FI>is<Fi> from Nazareth;'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Philip finds Nathanael, and says to him, We have found him of whom Moses wrote in the law, and the prophets, Jesus, the son of Joseph, who is from Nazareth.

Context

Following his call to discipleship in verse 43, Philip immediately acts as an evangelist in this verse, bringing the good news to Nathanael. His enthusiastic declaration and identification of Jesus as the one foretold by Moses and the Prophets show the immediate impact of Jesus' call. This direct witness sets up Nathanael's initial skepticism, introducing a challenge that Jesus will then respond to with divine knowledge, further demonstrating His deity.

v.44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter.

v.45This passage

v.46And Nathanael said unto him, Can any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 24:44

    And he said unto them, These are my words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must needs be fulfilled, which are written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms, concerning me.

  • Acts 3:6

    But Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but what I have, that give I thee. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.

  • John 1:46

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

  • Mark 6:3

    Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James, and Joses, and Judas, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended in him.

  • Luke 4:22

    And all bare him witness, and wondered at the words of grace which proceeded out of his mouth: and they said, Is not this Joseph’s son?

  • Luke 3:23

    And Jesus himself, when he beganto teach, was about thirty years of age, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli,

Sermon ideas from John 1:45

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

  • What John 1:45 teaches us about pre-existence of christ

  • What John 1:45 teaches us about incarnation

  • What John 1:45 teaches us about light and life

  • What John 1:45 teaches us about first disciples

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