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 2:8 mean?

Explanation

John 2:8 is part of the narrative describing Jesus' miracle at the wedding in Cana, where He turned water into wine.

In the preceding verses, Jesus' mother, Mary, informs Him that the wedding party has run out of wine.

Jesus then instructs the servants to fill six stone jars with water.

Once the jars are filled, this verse (John 2:8) comes into play.

Jesus commands the servants to "draw out now," which means to take some of the water from the jars, and then to "bear unto the governor of the feast," meaning they were to take it to the master of ceremonies or the person overseeing the banquet.

When they followed Jesus' instruction, the water had become wine.

This verse illustrates the moment of obedience by the servants and the unfolding of the first public miracle performed by Jesus, which not only highlights His supernatural power but also manifests His glory.

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

The wedding at Cana is an event that occurs early in the Gospel of John, during Jesus' public ministry.

This event is significant as it is the first of Jesus' miracles recorded by John.

Weddings at that time were significant social events, and they often lasted many days.

Wine was a central part of these celebrations, and running out of wine would have been a great embarrassment for the hosts.

The "governor of the feast" or master of the banquet was a significant role, responsible for the direction of the service and the overall satisfaction of the guests.

The use of stone jars is also significant, as they were associated with Jewish purification rituals, suggesting a deeper symbolic meaning to the miracle.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse encapsulates the theme of transformation that is evident throughout the Gospel of John. Just as the water is transformed into wine, so too Jesus' ministry will transform believers' understanding of the law and their approach to God.

Different theological viewpoints offer varying insights into this miracle.

Some see it as a sign of Jesus' authority over creation; others interpret it as symbolic of the joy and abundance of the Messianic age. Still, others link it to the Eucharist, seeing a parallel between the wine and the blood of Christ.

Practical Applications

Practical applications of John 2:8 can be found in the realm of faith and obedience.

The servants followed Jesus' instructions without understanding what would happen, exhibiting trust and submission.

This can serve as a model for believers today to follow God's guidance even when the outcome is uncertain.

Additionally, the transformation of water into wine can be seen as an encouragement for people to bring their insufficiencies to Jesus, trusting that He can bring about change and provide abundance in areas of need or lack.

Cross-References

Matthew 8:3: Jesus speaks and a leper is immediately cleansed, showing His word has authority to change circumstances.
Mark 9:23: Jesus says, "All things are possible to him that believeth," emphasizing the importance of faith in witnessing the miraculous.

Language Study

In the original Greek text of John 2:8, key words stand out:

"Draw out" (Greek: ἀντλήσατε, antlēsate): Meaning to draw water, as if out of a well.
"Bear" (Greek: φέρετε, pherete): This verb is a common one, meaning to carry or bring.
"Governor" (Greek: ἀρχιτρίκλινος, architriklinos): This is the master of the feast or the head of the table, comparable to a master of ceremonies.

These terms highlight the active role of the servants in the miracle and the authoritative structure of the wedding feast.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The turning of water into wine has parallels in other cultures where deities are attributed with transformation powers. For instance, in Greek mythology, Dionysus is associated with wine, fertility, and celebration and has stories where he bestows wine.

However, unlike such myths, Jesus' miracle is portrayed as a sign pointing to a spiritual truth rather than a display of hedonistic power.

In the religious context of Judaism, wine was seen as a symbol of joy and blessing, and this miracle could be viewed as Jesus providing these in abundance.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, turning water into wine is a process that involves fermentation, which is not instantaneous. The miracle described in John 2:8 defies natural explanations as it seems to bypass time and the biological mechanisms required for fermentation.

It suggests an occurrence outside of the natural laws as understood by science.

Commentaries

Scholars and religious commentators have various interpretations of this passage.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the significance of Jesus' miracles as signs that reveal His divine authority.

The MacArthur Study Bible notes make a connection between the water pots used for ceremonial washing and the new wine, symbolizing the new order Jesus brings, contrasting with the old Jewish customs.

The ESV Study Bible suggests that this sign, which leads to belief in Jesus' disciples, is a manifestation of His glory which points to His identity as the Messiah.

John 2

John 2

What does John 2:8 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 2:8 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?