What does John 2:4 mean?

Explanation

John 2:4, "Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," occurs during the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performs his first public miracle by turning water into wine.

When the wine runs out, Mary, Jesus' mother, approaches Him with the problem, possibly expecting Him to take some action.

Jesus' response may appear abrupt and puzzling.

The term "Woman" was a respectful form of address, unlike today's connotations, though not as intimate as "mother." Some interpret "what have I to do with thee?" as distancing Himself from familial expectations, indicating that His actions are guided by divine timing rather than human request.

"Mine hour is not yet come," refers to a scheduled time for His glory to be revealed, which culminates in His crucifixion and resurrection.

Historical Context

At the time this verse was written, Jewish weddings were significant social and religious events, often lasting several days.

The host's failure to provide for guests could lead to public shame.

It's within this context that the exchange between Jesus and His mother takes place.

The Gospel of John was written in a Greco-Roman world but is deeply rooted in Jewish traditions.

John's gospel often employs symbolism, with "hour" signifying crucial points in Jesus’ life and ministry, particularly His death and resurrection.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse deals with the nature of Jesus' mission and the timing of His divine revelations. It highlights His obedience to divine will over social or family obligations.

Many theologians argue that Jesus' statement sets the stage for His public ministry, indicating that He operates on a divine schedule.

Some see in this verse a foreshadow of Mary’s role interceding with Jesus for the needs of humanity, which has implications in certain Christian traditions concerning Marian theology.

Practical Applications

On a practical level, this verse can inspire individuals to consider the importance of divine timing over social expectations.

It encourages believers to trust that there is an appropriate time for action and revelation in their lives.

The passage also suggests that one’s primary allegiance should be to God's will, even in the face of family or societal pressures.

Cross-References

• John 7:30: "Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come."
• John 8:20: "These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come."
• John 12:23: "And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified."
• John 17:1: "These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:"

Language Study

In the original Greek, the phrase "what have I to do with thee?" is translated from "τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί," literally meaning "what to me and to you?" It suggests a disjunction or separation of interest.

The Greek word for "woman" (γύναι) is not derogatory and can be respectful.

The term "hour" (ὥρα) is used symbolically in John to often refer to the appointed time for Jesus' crucifixion and glorification.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In ancient mythology, divine beings often followed a predetermined destiny or had specific "appointed times" to act.

Comparably, Jesus speaks of "mine hour," which aligns with a divine schedule.

In other religious interpretations, such as certain strains of Islam or Judaism, the notion of preordained events and specific moments when divine action is manifest is also present.

Scientific Perspectives

The scientific perspective doesn't directly relate to the metaphorical language of divine timing.

Science deals with natural phenomena and measurable events, whereas "mine hour" in this verse refers to a predetermined moment in a divine plan, which is theological and lies outside the scope of empirical science.

Commentaries

Various experts and theologians have commented on this verse from different angles:

• William Barclay suggests that Jesus speaks to Mary not with irritation but with a gentle correction of the misunderstanding that He could be prompted to act outside of God’s timing.
• Craig S.

Keener, in his commentary, emphasizes that “mine hour” implies Jesus’s awareness of a specific time for His glorification, which is not purely determined by human need.

• Matthew Henry interprets this passage as an indication that Jesus acknowledged Mary's concern but refused to be directed by her, showing that the messianic mission cannot be dictated by familial ties.