Nathanael
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nathanael in the Bible?
Nathanael was a first-century disciple from Cana in Galilee, traditionally identified by scholars with the apostle Bartholomew, whose name derives from the Hebrew meaning 'gift of God'.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Nathanael's character arc in the Gospel of John provides insight into the Johannine theme of moving from skepticism to profound confession, illustrating the text's emphasis on divine revelation over human tradition.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nathanael reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nathanael in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nathanael 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." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nathanael/