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John 2:1-12

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

1. And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. 5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]. 6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it]. 9. 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, 10. 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. 11. This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him. 12. After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

John 2:1-12 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on John 2:1

Theological / Devotional

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.

By SdaBc