A True Israelite

John 1:47

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’

Nathanael means ‘gift of God’. Israel means ‘one who prevails with God’. The original name of Israel was Jacob. Jacob means ‘Supplanter’. ‘deceit’ (47) reminds us of Jacob who deceived his father Isaac, and brother Esau (Genesis 27:1-45), and manipulated his uncle Laban (Genesis 30:31-43, Genesis 31:1-55). Jacob wrestled with an angel of God (Genesis 32:24-30). Hosea 12:4 shows Jacob’s spiritual struggle (wrestle). After Jacob won the wrestle, the angel gave Jacob the new name ‘Israel’ (Genesis 32:28) and blessed him (Genesis 32:29), which became the name of the country. The change of a person’s name means the change of the characteristics and the ability of the person. Jesus recognised Nathanael as a true Israelite in whom there was no deceit (47).