John 1:50

50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that."

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 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree. I saw you there before Philip called you."

49 Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel."

50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that."

51 Then he said to the disciples, "What I'm about to tell you is true. You will see heaven open. You will see the angels of God going up and coming down on the Son of Man."