John 2

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

But he spake of the temple of his body.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

What does John 2:1 mean?

Explanation

John 2:1 refers to the account of a wedding at Cana, a village in Galilee, where Jesus performs his first recorded miracle by turning water into wine.

The verse specifically mentions that this event takes place on the third day of an unspecified starting point, and that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was present.

The "third day" could have symbolic significance in Christian theology, as it often refers to the day of Christ's resurrection.

On a literal level, this verse sets the scene for the forthcoming miracle and notes the presence of Jesus' mother, implying her role in the narrative.

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Historical Context

The Gospel of John was written in the context of 1st century Judaism, under Roman occupation of Judea.

Cana is identified as a town in Galilee, which is in present-day northern Israel.

Weddings in Jewish culture were significant social events, often lasting several days, with the celebration involving the entire community.

Marriage was an important institution, and the wedding feast had deep social and religious significance, including showing hospitality.

Theological Insights

Various theological insights emerge from this verse.

From a Christian perspective, the involvement of Jesus in a wedding feast is symbolic of his blessing upon marriage and a sign of his incarnational presence in ordinary life events.

Additionally, the transformation of water into wine prefigures the transformation in the Eucharist, where wine becomes the blood of Christ. It also introduces the theme of the abundance of blessings that result from Jesus' divine intervention.

Practical Applications

In daily life, this verse can serve as a reminder of the sanctity of marriage and the importance of celebrating life's milestones with faith. It encourages believers to invite Jesus into every aspect of their lives, even in moments of celebration, as he is the source of joy and blessings.

The verse can also inspire hospitality, as exhibited during the wedding at Cana.

Cross-References

John 2:11 - "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."
John 4:46 - "So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine.

And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum."

Ephesians 5:22-33 - Passages describing the relationship between Christ and the church, using marriage as a metaphor.

Language Study

In the original Greek, the word for "marriage" is γάμος (gamos), signifying a wedding or marriage feast.

"Cana of Galilee" (Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας) refers to the town of Cana in the region of Galilee. The significance of Mary's presence is highlighted with the phrase "and the mother of Jesus was there" (καὶ ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἦν ἐκεῖ), indicating her active participation in the event.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The miracle at Cana is unique to Christian texts and does not have direct parallels in other ancient myths or religions.

However, the theme of divine figures attending and blessing weddings is common in other traditions. For example, in Greek mythology, the gods often participate in human weddings, bringing gifts or blessings. Wine, in various religions and myths, is a common symbol of abundance and divine favor.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, the transformation of water into wine involves complex biochemical processes that occur naturally during fermentation.

Turning water into wine instantaneously, as described in this passage, defies the natural principles of science and is therefore considered a supernatural event by believers.

Commentaries

Commentaries on this verse focus on its significance as the setting for Jesus' first miracle.

Some experts suggest that the "third day" might symbolize perfection or denote the day in relation to a previous event.

Theologians comment on the cultural importance of weddings in Jewish society and how Jesus' presence sanctifies marriage.

Scholars also analyze the role of Mary in this narrative, as her request leads to Jesus performing the miracle, signifying a manifestation of divine glory early in his public ministry.

John 2

John 2

What does John 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 2:1 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?