John 2:1

The third day. A common Hebrew and Greek idiom meaning “the second day,” or, as we would say, “the day after the morrow” (cf. Luke 13:32), in this case the second day after the incident of John 1:43-51. Jesus left the vicinity of Bethabara (see on ch. 1:28), traveled the rest of the day mentioned in ch. 1:43, all of the next day, and most of the third. Chapter 2 continues the narrative of chapter 1 without interruption. If Christ’s baptism took place about the time of the Feast of Tabernacles (see on Matt. 3:13), it would now be about the month of December. Some two months had passed since Jesus left Nazareth (see DA 145).

A marriage. Greek gamos, “a wedding,” “wedding festivities.” These were usually held in the home of the groom and continued for several days (see DA 145, 146; Matt. 25:1-13).

Cana. Traditionally identified, since Byzantine times, with Kefr Kenna, 3.5 mi. (5.6 km.) northeast of Nazareth, but now thought to be the modern Khirbet Qana, about 8 mi. (13 km.) north of Nazareth (see Early Galilean Ministry). Cana means “the place of reeds.” Reeds abound in marshes near Khirbet Qana, and potsherds dating from Roman times have been found there. Also, the name Qana corresponds more closely with the ancient name for Cana.

Nathanael was of Cana (ch. 21:2). Here the nobleman found Jesus about one year later (ch. 4:43-54).

The mother of Jesus. John never refers to Mary by name (see chs. 2:12; 6:42; 19:25). Joseph was doubtless dead by this time (see on Luke 2:51). Concerning Mary as the mother of Jesus see on Matt. 1:23; Luke 1:27, 28.