New International VersionJesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”
New Living TranslationJesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”
English Standard VersionJesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
Berean Standard BibleJesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.”
Berean Literal BibleJesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these."
King James BibleJesus 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.
New King James VersionJesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
New American Standard BibleJesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
NASB 1995Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
NASB 1977Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.”
Legacy Standard BibleJesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
Amplified BibleJesus replied, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe [in Me]? You will see greater things than this.”
Christian Standard BibleJesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleJesus responded to him, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”
American Standard VersionJesus 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.
Contemporary English VersionJesus answered, "Did you believe me just because I said that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see something even greater.
English Revised VersionJesus 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus replied, "You believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that."
Good News TranslationJesus said, "Do you believe just because I told you I saw you when you were under the fig tree? You will see much greater things than this!"
International Standard VersionJesus told him, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than that."
NET BibleJesus said to him, "Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these."
New Heart English BibleJesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."
Webster's Bible TranslationJesus answered and said to him, Because I said to thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree, dost thou believe? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Weymouth New Testament"Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig-tree,'" replied Jesus, "do you believe? You shall see greater things than that." Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJesus said to him, “Do you believe just because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’? You will see greater things than these.”
World English BibleJesus answered him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionJesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, you believe; you will see greater things than these”;
Berean Literal BibleJesus answered and said to him, "Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these."
Young's Literal Translation Jesus 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;'
Smith's Literal TranslationJesus answered and said to him, Because I said to thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou thou shalt see greater than these. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJesus 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionJesus responded and said to him: “Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, you believe. Greater things than these, you will see.”
New American BibleJesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.”
New Revised Standard VersionJesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJesus said to him, Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? you shall see greater things than these.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishYeshua said to him: “Do you believe because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree? You shall see greater things than these.” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentNathaniel answered and said to him: Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.
Godbey New TestamentJesus responded and said to him, Because I said to thee, that I saw thee under the fig-tree, dost thou believe? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Haweis New Testament
Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said to thee, I saw thee under the fig-tree, dost thou believe? thou shalt see greater things than these.
Mace New Testament
Jesus answered him, because thou believest what I said, that I saw thee under the fig-tree, thou shalt see greater things than these.
Weymouth New Testament
"Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig-tree,'" replied Jesus, "do you believe? You shall see greater things than that."
Worrell New Testament
Jesus answered, and said to him,"Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You shall see greater things than these."
Worsley New Testament
Jesus answered and said unto him,Because I told theethat I saw thee under the fig-tree, thou believest: thou shalt see greaterthings than these.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael… 49“Rabbi,” Nathanael answered, “You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50Jesussaidto him,“Do you believejust becauseI toldyouI sawyouunderthefig tree?You will seegreater thingsthan these.”51Then He declared, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”…
Cross References John 14:12Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works that I am doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
John 5:20The Father loves the Son and shows Him all He does. And to your amazement, He will show Him even greater works than these.
Matthew 13:16-17But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears because they hear. / For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous men longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
Luke 10:23-24Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. / For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”
John 11:40Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”
John 12:45And whoever sees Me sees the One who sent Me.
John 20:29Jesus said to him, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Matthew 16:27For the Son of Man will come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then He will repay each one according to what he has done.
Matthew 24:30At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and all the tribes of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
1 Corinthians 2:9Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Genesis 28:12And Jacob had a dream about a ladder that rested on the earth with its top reaching up to heaven, and God’s angels were going up and down the ladder.
Genesis 28:13-15And there at the top the LORD was standing and saying, “I am the LORD, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. I will give you and your descendants the land on which you now lie. / Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread out to the west and east and north and south. All the families of the earth will be blessed through you and your offspring. / Look, I am with you, and I will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Daniel 7:13-14In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like the Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. / And He was given dominion, glory, and kingship, that the people of every nation and language should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Isaiah 52:10The LORD has bared His holy arm in the sight of all the nations; all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 53:1Who has believed our message? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?
Treasury of Scripture Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, believe you? you shall see greater things than these. Because. John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessedare they that have not seen, andyet have believed. Luke 1:45 And blessedis she that believed: for there shall be a performance of those things which were told her from the Lord. Luke 7:9 When Jesus heard these things, he marvelled at him, and turned him about, and said unto the people that followed him, I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. thou shalt. John 11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Matthew 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Matthew 25:29 For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. Jump to Previous BelieveBelievestFaithFigFig-TreeGreaterJesusThouTreeUnderneathJump to Next BelieveBelievestFaithFigFig-TreeGreaterJesusThouTreeUnderneathJohn 1 1.The divinity, humanity, office, and incarnation of Jesus Christ.15.The testimony of John.39.The calling of Simon and Andrew, Philip and NathanaelJesus said to him,This phrase indicates a direct conversation between Jesus and Nathanael. It highlights the personal nature of Jesus' interactions, emphasizing His relational approach to ministry. Jesus often engaged individuals personally, as seen in His interactions with Nicodemus (John 3) and the Samaritan woman (John 4). “Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree?
The fig tree is significant in Jewish culture, often symbolizing peace and prosperity (Micah 4:4). It was common for rabbis and students to study or meditate under fig trees. Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael's location suggests His divine omniscience, a theme consistent with other instances where Jesus demonstrates supernatural knowledge (John 4:17-18). This question challenges the depth of Nathanael's faith, prompting reflection on the basis of belief. You will see greater things than these.”
This promise foreshadows the miraculous works and revelations that Nathanael and the other disciples will witness, such as the resurrection of Lazarus (John 11) and Jesus' own resurrection. It also alludes to the greater spiritual truths and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Christ. The phrase echoes the promise of greater works inJohn 14:12, emphasizing the expanding understanding and experience of God's power and kingdom through Jesus. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is speaking in this verse. He is addressing Nathanael and revealing His divine knowledge and authority. 2. NathanaelA disciple of Jesus, also known as Bartholomew. He is initially skeptical about Jesus but becomes a believer after Jesus demonstrates His supernatural knowledge. 3. Fig TreeA location where Nathanael was seen by Jesus before they met. The fig tree is often symbolic in Jewish culture, representing peace and prosperity, and is used here to demonstrate Jesus' omniscience. 4. PhilipAnother disciple of Jesus who introduces Nathanael to Jesus. His role is crucial in bringing Nathanael to faith. 5. GalileeThe region where these events take place, significant as the area where Jesus began His ministry. Teaching Points Faith and RevelationNathanael's belief is sparked by a personal revelation from Jesus. Our faith often begins with a personal encounter or realization of God's presence in our lives. Expect Greater ThingsJesus promises that believers will witness greater things. This encourages us to live with expectation and openness to God's work beyond our current understanding. Divine KnowledgeJesus' knowledge of Nathanael under the fig tree demonstrates His omniscience. We can trust that God knows us intimately and is aware of our circumstances. Role of WitnessingPhilip's role in bringing Nathanael to Jesus highlights the importance of personal testimony and invitation in leading others to Christ. Symbolism of the Fig TreeReflect on the peace and prosperity symbolized by the fig tree, and consider how Jesus brings spiritual peace and prosperity into our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 1:50?
2.How does John 1:50 encourage belief in Jesus' greater works?
3.What does Jesus' promise in John 1:50 reveal about His divine authority?
4.How does John 1:50 connect to Jesus' miracles in the Gospels?
5.How can we apply the promise of "greater things" to our faith today?
6.What does John 1:50 teach about the rewards of faith and belief?
7.How does John 1:50 demonstrate Jesus' divine knowledge and authority?
8.What does Jesus' promise in John 1:50 reveal about faith and belief?
9.How does John 1:50 connect to the broader theme of revelation in the Gospel of John?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 1?
11.What does the Fig Tree Prophecy entail?
12.What is the significance of Holy Monday?
13.Why did Jesus curse the fig tree?
14.Why does John 1:15 say Jesus existed before John the Baptist, when historically John was older?What Does John 1:50 Mean Jesus said to himThe conversation is personal; Christ addresses Nathanael directly, showing that the Lord knows every heart and speaks into each life with authority (John 3:3;Revelation 1:17). His initiative reminds us that faith begins with God’s self-revelation (John 6:44). Notice how Jesus neither flatters nor rebukes but draws Nathanael further, just as He would later do with the Samaritan woman (John 4:17-18). Whenever Christ speaks, His word carries the full weight of divine truth (Matthew 24:35), so we listen knowing that Scripture is literally accurate and eternally reliable.
Do you believe just because I told you I saw you under the fig tree?Nathanael had already confessed, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God” (John 1:49). That confession sprang from a sign—Jesus’ supernatural knowledge of Nathanael’s private moment under the fig tree. Yet Jesus prods him to move beyond sign-based faith to a fuller trust in who He is. • Faith sparked by a miracle is real but immature; it must grow roots in Christ’s person, not merely in His works (John 2:23-25). • The question exposes a common tendency: we often rest our belief on a single answered prayer or emotional experience. Jesus invites us to anchor our confidence in His unchanging character instead (Hebrews 13:8). • A fig tree was a customary place for study or prayer (Micah 4:4). By mentioning it, Jesus showed He had witnessed Nathanael’s hidden devotion. The Lord sees where no one else sees (Psalm 139:1-4), encouraging honest faith while cautioning against superficiality.
You will see greater things than these.Christ promises that Nathanael’s initial glimpse is only the beginning. The Gospel will unveil ever-greater displays of divine glory: • Water turned to wine at Cana (John 2:1-11). • The lame man walking (John 5:8-9). • Five thousand fed (John 6:10-13). • Lazarus raised from the dead (John 11:43-44). • The cross, resurrection, and empty tomb—the greatest revelation of all (John 19–20;Romans 1:4). Jesus consistently takes receptive hearts from “first-faith” to “full-faith.” His words echo later promises: “You will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:51) and “Greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father” (John 14:12). The believer’s journey is therefore one of unfolding wonder and ever-expanding testimony (2 Corinthians 3:18).
summaryJohn 1:50 shows Jesus meeting Nathanael’s budding faith, challenging its shallow foundation, and promising richer revelation ahead. The Lord both knows us intimately and calls us onward: initial belief sparked by a personal encounter must deepen into steadfast trust in Christ Himself. Those who follow will indeed “see greater things”—the ongoing, unmistakable glory of the Son of God. (50) Believest thou.--This is not necessarily a question, and a fuller sense is obtained by taking it as an assertion. (Comp. the same word in John 16:31; John 20:29.) On this evidence thou believest; the use of the faith-faculty strengthens it. Thou shalt see greater things than these. Verses 50, 51. - ( d) The Son of man, the link between heaven and earth.Verse 50. - Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said unto thee, that I saw thee underneath the fig tree, thou believest. There is no need to transform this into a question, as though Jesus smiled a gentle reproof upon the rapidity with which Nathanael espoused his cause (cf. John 16:31; John 20:29). The Lord, on the contrary, congratulates him upon the sincerity with which he had at once admitted claims which had never been more explicitly expressed. Thou hast believed because I have made thee feel that I have sounded the depths of thy heart, by means which pass understanding. There are profounder abysses than the human heart. There are powers at my disposal calculated to create a more tender and inspiring faith, one which shall carry thee into other worlds as well as through this. Thou shalt see greater things than these. There shall be vouchsafed a fuller, clearer revelation of what I am, which shall pour new and deeper meaning into the confession thou hast made. Hitherto the Lord was speaking to the one man; but now he says what would be applicable, not only to Nathanael, but to all who had found him, and accepted that outline of his functions and claims which had formed the substance of the latest teaching of John the Baptist.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.saidεἶπεν(eipen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.to him,αὐτῷ(autō)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“Do you believeπιστεύεις(pisteueis)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4100:From pistis; to have faith, i.e. Credit; by implication, to entrust.just becauseὍτι(Hoti)Conjunction
Strong's 3754:Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.I toldεἶπόν(eipon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2036:Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.youσοι(soi)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.I sawεἶδόν(eidon)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.youσε(se)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.underὑποκάτω(hypokatō)Preposition
Strong's 5270:Underneath, below, under. From hupo and kato; down under, i.e. Beneath.theτῆς(tēs)Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.fig tree?συκῆς(sykēs)Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4808:A fig-tree. From sukon; a fig-tree.You will seeὄψῃ(opsē)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 3708:Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.greater thingsμείζω(meizō)Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural - Comparative
Strong's 3173:Large, great, in the widest sense.than these.”τούτων(toutōn)Demonstrative Pronoun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778:This; he, she, it.
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NT Gospels: John 1:50 Jesus answered him Because I told you (Jhn Jo Jn) |
