Bible Dictionaries
Nathanael

Holman Bible Dictionary

(nuh than' ay ehl) Personal name meaning, “giver of God .” An Israelite whom Jesus complimented as being guileless (John 1:47 ) and who, in turn confessed the Lord as being the Son of God and King of Israel (John 1:49 ).

Nathanael was from Cana of Galilee (John 21:2 ) and apparently became one of the inner core of disciples who followed Jesus. Although Matthew, Mark, and Luke do not mention him by name, his two appearances in John point to his devotion to Christ. Some have equated him with Bartholomew.

Philip announced to Nathanael that Jesus was the promised Messiah (John 1:45 ). It was then that Nathanael made the infamous remark, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” See Disciples .