John 1:50

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, `I saw thee under the fig tree,' believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these."

John 1:50 Meaning and Commentary

John 1:50

Jesus answered and said unto him
Not as reproving him for his faith, as if he was too credulous, and too easily gave into the belief of Christ, as the Son of God, and true Messiah, upon these single expressions of his; but as approving of it, and surprised at it:

because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest
thou?
some read the words, not by way of interrogation, but as an assertion; "thou believest", or "hast believed", as the Vulgate Latin, Arabic, and Persic versions:

thou shall see greater things than these;
meaning that he should have larger discoveries of his person, nature, and perfections, and should see things done by him, much more surprising than any thing he had seen yet; referring to the miracles of raising the dead, casting out devils, and healing all manner of diseases.

John 1:50 In-Context

48 Nathanael said unto Him, "How knowest Thou me?" Jesus answered and said unto him, "Before Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee."

49 Nathanael answered and said unto Him, "Rabbi, Thou art the Son of God; Thou art the King of Israel."

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, "Because I said unto thee, `I saw thee under the fig tree,' believest thou? Thou shalt see greater things than these."

51 And He said unto him, "Verily, verily I say unto you, hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."