Nathanael (1)
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nathanael (1) in the Bible?
Nathanael is a figure in the New Testament Gospel of John who is called by Jesus and subsequently becomes a disciple, with later Christian tradition identifying him as the apostle Bartholomew.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nathanael's role in the Gospel of John helps readers recognize the textual distinction between the Johannine narrative and the Synoptic Gospels, while the traditional identification with Bartholomew aids in reconciling the lists of the Twelve Apostles across different biblical accounts.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nathanael (1) reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nathanael (1) in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nathanael (1) clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nathanael (1)." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nathanael-1/