And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

JOHN 1:42KJV
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John 1:42 (KJV)

What does John 1:42 mean?

John 1:42 describes Simon’s first meeting with Jesus. Jesus identifies Simon by his given name and family connection, then gives him another name, Cephas. The new name becomes important for recognizing Simon as the person also known as Peter.

After Andrew brings his brother to Jesus in verse 41, Jesus looks directly at Simon and speaks to him. John’s explanation of Cephas as “A stone” lets readers understand the name rather than leaving it as an unfamiliar sound.

The Greek behind John 1:42

  • “beheld” — ἐμβλέπω (emblepō): This word can mean to look intently at someone. It gives a sense of Jesus fixing his attention on Simon before speaking.
  • “Cephas” — Κηφᾶς (Kēphas): This is the name John records Jesus giving Simon. John then explains its meaning for readers.
  • “stone” — Πέτρος (Petros): The Greek here is also the name Peter. The KJV gives its meaning, “A stone,” making the connection between Cephas and Peter less obvious to an English reader.

Why John 1:42 matters

  • Simon and Peter are the same person. John later calls him “Simon Peter,” joining his original name with the name Jesus gives him (John 1:40, 44).
  • The meeting comes through a family connection. “He brought him to Jesus” refers to Andrew bringing his own brother, Simon.
  • Jesus speaks of the new name as something Simon will be called: “thou shalt be called Cephas.” The words look ahead to how others will know him.

Where else these words appear

“interpretation” Greek G2059 · used in 4 verses

  • John 1:38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi,(which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?
  • John 9:7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam,(which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
  • Hebrews 7:2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;

“Cephas” Greek G2786 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12 Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 3:22 Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;
  • 1 Corinthians 15:5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

“Jona” Greek G2495 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 12:39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
  • Matthew 16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
  • Luke 11:32 The men of Nineve shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.

“beheld” Greek G1689 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 6:26 Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
  • Mark 10:21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
  • Luke 22:61 And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice.