Definition: Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from John 1:47. It's a really interesting one that points to a powerful message about Jesus! Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: What it means: Jesus is telling Nathanael (who was named "the One Who Seeks" – meaning he’s looking for truth) that he recognizes him as an Israelite. Let's unpack the words: “John 1:47” : This tells us this is a specific verse from the Gospel of John. “Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him” : Jesus was noticing and watching Nathanael. He’d been introduced to him earlier in the chapter. “and saith of him…” : Jesus is explaining something about him. “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!” - This is the key part! “Israelite” means a person from the ancient Israelites (the people who lived near the Jordan River). "No guile" means without deceit or trickery. So, what does it mean? Jesus is saying that Nathanael is specifically an Israelite – someone who is honest and trustworthy. The word “guile” means deceitfulness, dishonesty, or trickery. By calling him an "Israelite," Jesus emphasizes that he’s a person of genuine character and integrity. Why is this important? This verse highlights that Jesus values honesty and righteousness above all else. It's a powerful statement about his identity as the Son of God and his desire to be with people who are truly good and sincere. In short, it’s saying: "Jesus sees Nathanael as someone who is honest and trustworthy – he’s a real Israelite!" --- Do you want me to explain another verse or perhaps delve into the context of this passage? For example, we could talk about its significance in the story of Jesus being introduced to the people, or its connection to the idea of God's chosen people.