John 1:50
What does John 1:50 mean?
A plain-English look at John 1:50 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 1:50 means
Jesus acknowledges Nathanael's belief, but then challenges him with a rhetorical question: "Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these." This implies that Nathanael's faith, though genuine, was based on a relatively small miracle. Jesus promises that this initial sign is merely a foretaste; His disciples will witness far more magnificent and profound demonstrations of His divine power and glory, compelling even greater faith.
John 1:50 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 · 2000Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee underneath the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In answer Jesus said to him, You have faith because I said to you, I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than these.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus answered and said to him, `Because I said to thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree, thou dost believe; greater things than these thou shalt see;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus answered and said to him: Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, thou believest: greater things than these shalt thou see.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree, believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these.
Context
After Nathanael's profound confession in verse 49, Jesus' response here affirms his faith while simultaneously preparing him for even deeper revelation. Jesus promises "greater things," indicating that Nathanael's current belief, though sincere, is only the beginning of understanding His divine nature. This sets an expectation for the disciples to witness ongoing miracles and revelations, culminating in the ultimate vision foreshadowed in the very next and final verse of the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 25:29
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not, even that which he hath shall be taken away.
- John 20:29
Jesus saith unto him, Because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.
- Luke 1:45
And blessed is she that believed; for there shall be a fulfilment of the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord.
- John 11:40
Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believedst, thou shouldest see the glory of God?
Sermon ideas from John 1:50
Angles a pastor or small-group leader might preach or teach from this passage, drawn from the chapter's main themes.
What John 1:50 teaches us about pre-existence of christ
What John 1:50 teaches us about incarnation
What John 1:50 teaches us about light and life
What John 1:50 teaches us about first disciples
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