John 2

Commentary

The Wedding at Cana

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

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

(Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48)

12After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

13And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15And 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; 16And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. 17And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 18Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things? 19Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days? 21But he spake of the temple of his body. 22When 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.

23Now 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. 24But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men, 25And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

King James Bible

Text courtesy of BibleProtector.com.

The Wedding at Cana

1 The third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there. 2 Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the marriage. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does that have to do with you and me? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever he says to you, do it.” 6 Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” They filled them up to the brim. 8 He said to them, “Now draw some out, and take it to the ruler of the feast.” So they took it. 9 When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and didn’t know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom, 10 and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and when the guests have drunk freely, then that which is worse. You have kept the good wine until now!” 11 This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
(Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48)

12 After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days.

13 The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 He found in the temple those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, and the changers of money sitting. 15 He made a whip of cords, and threw all out of the temple, both the sheep and the oxen; and he poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew their tables. 16 To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Don’t make my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will eat me up.” 18 The Jews therefore answered him, “What sign do you show us, seeing that you do these things?” 19 Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 The Jews therefore said, “It took forty-six years to build this temple! Will you raise it up in three days?” 21 But he spoke of the temple of his body. 22 When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this, and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in his name, observing his signs which he did. 24 But Jesus didn’t trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25 and because he didn’t need for anyone to testify concerning man; for he himself knew what was in man.

The Wedding at Cana

1 On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2 and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding. 3 When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.”

4 “Woman, why does this concern us?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

5 His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

6 Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. a 7 Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.”

So they filled them to the brim.

8 “Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.”

They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!”

11 Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

Jesus Cleanses the Temple
(Matthew 21:12–17; Mark 11:15–19; Luke 19:45–48)

12 After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.

13 When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts b He found men selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and money changers seated at their tables. 15 So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle. He poured out the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 16 To those selling doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn My Father’s house into a marketplace!”

17 His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.” c

18 On account of this, the Jews demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do these things?”

19 Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up again.”

20 “This temple took forty-six years to build,” the Jews replied, “and You are going to raise it up in three days?”

21 But Jesus was speaking about the temple of His body. 22 After He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this. Then they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

23 While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name. 24 But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. 25 He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.

 

Footnotes:

6 a Greek two or three metretae ; that is, approximately 20.8 to 31.2 gallons (78.8 to 118.1 liters)
14 b Literally the temple ; also in verse 15
17 c Psalm 69:9

The Wedding at Cana

1And the third day a marriage happened in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there, 2and also Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage; 3and wine having failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, 'Wine they have not;' 4Jesus saith to her, 'What -- to me and to thee, woman? not yet is mine hour come.' 5His mother saith to the ministrants, 'Whatever he may say to you -- do.' 6And there were there six water-jugs of stone, placed according to the purifying of the Jews, holding each two or three measures. 7Jesus saith to them, 'Fill the water-jugs with water;' and they filled them -- unto the brim; 8and he saith to them, 'Draw out, now, and bear to the director of the apartment;' and they bare. 9And as the director of the apartment tasted the water become wine, and knew not whence it is, (but the ministrants knew, who have drawn the water,) the director of the feast doth call the bridegroom, 10and saith to him, 'Every man, at first, the good wine doth set forth; and when they may have drunk freely, then the inferior; thou didst keep the good wine till now.' 11This beginning of the signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him;

Jesus Cleanses the Temple

(Matthew 21:12-17; Mark 11:15-19; Luke 19:45-48)

12after this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and there they remained not many days.

13And the passover of the Jews was nigh, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, 14and he found in the temple those selling oxen, and sheep, and doves, and the money-changers sitting, 15and having made a whip of small cords, he put all forth out of the temple, also the sheep, and the oxen; and of the money-changers he poured out the coins, and the tables he overthrew, 16and to those selling the doves he said, 'Take these things hence; make not the house of my Father a house of merchandise.' 17And his disciples remembered that it is written, 'The zeal of Thy house did eat me up;' 18the Jews then answered and said to him, 'What sign dost thou shew to us -- that thou dost these things?' 19Jesus answered and said to them, 'Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up.' 20The Jews, therefore, said, 'Forty and six years was this sanctuary building, and wilt thou in three days raise it up?' 21but he spake concerning the sanctuary of his body; 22when, then, he was raised out of the dead, his disciples remembered that he said this to them, and they believed the Writing, and the word that Jesus said.

23And as he was in Jerusalem, in the passover, in the feast, many believed in his name, beholding his signs that he was doing; 24and Jesus himself was not trusting himself to them, because of his knowing all men, 25and because he had no need that any should testify concerning man, for he himself was knowing what was in man.

The Favor of God Message paraphrase

¹ On the third day, there was a wedding celebration in Cana, a small town in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, ² and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited. ³ When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.”

⁴ Jesus replied, “Dear woman, why are you involving Me? My time has not yet come.”

⁵ But His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

⁶ Nearby stood six large stone water jars, each holding about twenty to thirty gallons, used by the Jews for ceremonial washing. ⁷ Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water,” and they filled them to the brim. ⁸ Then He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, ⁹ and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. He called the bridegroom aside ¹⁰ and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink, but you have saved the best till now!”

¹¹ This miraculous sign at Cana in Galilee was the first time Jesus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

¹² After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples. They stayed there for a few days.

Jesus Clears the Temple Courts

¹³ When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. ¹⁴ In the temple courts, He found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. ¹⁵ So He made a whip out of cords and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. ¹⁶ To those who sold doves, He said, “Get these out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a market!”

¹⁷ His disciples remembered that it is written: “Zeal for Your house will consume Me.”*

¹⁸ The Jewish leaders then responded, “What sign can You show us to prove Your authority to do all this?”

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.”

²⁰ They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and You are going to raise it in three days?”

²¹ But the temple He had spoken of was His body. ²² After He was raised from the dead, His disciples recalled what He had said. Then they believed the scripture and the words that Jesus had spoken.

Jesus Knows What Is in the Human Heart

²³ Now while He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Festival, many people saw the signs He was performing and believed in His name. ²⁴ But Jesus would not entrust Himself to them, for He knew all people. ²⁵ He did not need any testimony about mankind, for He knew what was in each person.

Footnotes:

2:4: Jesus’ response to His mother may sound sharp in modern English, but in the original context, it reflects respect, while emphasizing His divine mission.

2:6: The large jars were used for Jewish purification rituals, highlighting the contrast between the old ways and the new reality of Jesus bringing abundant spiritual life.

2:11: This was the first public sign of Jesus’ divine identity, showing His power to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

2:16: The temple in Jerusalem was meant to be a place of prayer, but the merchants were taking advantage of worshippers, provoking Jesus’ righteous anger.

2:17: Psalm 69:9 is quoted to explain Jesus’ deep passion for preserving the sacredness of God’s house.

2:19: Jesus’ reference to the temple as His body foreshadows His resurrection, but it was misunderstood by the Jewish leaders at the time.

2:25: Jesus’ ability to see into people’s hearts demonstrates His divine insight, knowing the true intentions of those around Him.

The F.O.G Commentary:

1What is the meaning of John 2?
2Introduction to John 2
3Context of John 2
4Ancient Key Word Study
5Compare & Contrast
6John 2 Unique Insights
7John 2 Connections to Yeshua
8John 2 Scriptural Echoes
9John 2 Devotional
10Did You Know

What is the meaning of John 2?

Introduction to John 2

John 2 marks a pivotal transition in the Gospel of John, presenting two remarkable events that inaugurate Yeshua’s public ministry: the wedding at Cana and the cleansing of the Temple. These events powerfully demonstrate both His authority and the revolutionary nature of His mission. The chapter brilliantly weaves together themes of transformation, purification, and divine authority, establishing Yeshua’s identity as both the joy-bringing Messiah and the zealous defender of His Father’s house.

Azrta box final advert

This chapter is particularly significant as it contains Yeshua’s first miraculous sign, strategically chosen by John to illuminate the Messiah’s power to transform not just water into wine, but the entire old covenant system into the new. The dramatic events recorded here serve as a foundation for understanding Yeshua’s ministry and His relationship with both the Jewish religious establishment and the common people.

Context of John 2

Within the Gospel of John, chapter 2 follows the powerful prologue and John the Baptist’s testimony, transitioning from theological declaration to practical demonstration of Yeshua’s divine nature. This placement is strategic, as it moves from “the Word became flesh” in John 1:14 to showing that flesh in action, performing miracles and exercising divine authority.

The chapter serves as a bridge between Yeshua’s private life and public ministry, demonstrating His power over both the physical elements (water to wine) and the religious establishment (Temple cleansing). These events establish crucial themes that will resonate throughout John’s Gospel: the replacement of the old covenant with the new, the authority of Yeshua over Jewish institutions, and His role as the true Temple of God.

In the broader biblical narrative, this chapter connects powerfully with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah’s coming and the transformation of worship. The wedding miracle echoes prophetic imagery of the messianic banquet (Isaiah 25:6), while the Temple cleansing fulfills prophecies about the Lord’s sudden coming to His Temple (Malachi 3:1).

Ancient Key Word Study

  • γάμος (gamos) – “wedding”: This word carries deep cultural and prophetic significance, representing not just a social celebration but the prophetic picture of God’s relationship with Israel and, ultimately, the Messiah’s relationship with His bride, the Church. The use here points to the inauguration of the messianic age.
  • ὑδρίαι λίθιναι (hydriai lithinai) – “stone water jars”: These specific vessels, used for Jewish purification rites, symbolize the old covenant system. Their transformation into vessels of wine represents the transformation from old to new covenant, from ritual purification to internal transformation.
  • οἶνος (oinos) – “wine”: Beyond its literal meaning, wine in Jewish tradition symbolizes joy, celebration, and the messianic age. The quality of this miraculous wine (“the best”) points to the superiority of the new covenant Yeshua brings.
  • ἐκκλησία (ekklesia) – While not directly used in this chapter, the concept of “temple” as the gathering place of God’s people prefigures this important New Testament term for the Church, which would become the living temple of God.
  • σημεῖον (semeion) – “sign”: John’s deliberate use of this term rather than “miracle” emphasizes that these acts point beyond themselves to deeper spiritual truths about Yeshua’s identity and mission.
  • ἐξουσία (exousia) – “authority”: Though implicit in the narrative, this concept underlies both the miracle and the Temple cleansing, demonstrating Yeshua’s divine right to transform both natural elements and religious institutions.
  • ναός (naos) – “temple”: Specifically referring to the sanctuary proper, this term becomes crucial in Yeshua’s prophecy about His body as the true temple, marking a radical shift in understanding where God dwells.
  • ζῆλος (zelos) – “zeal”: This term, connecting to Psalm 69:9, reveals Yeshua’s passionate commitment to His Father’s honor and the proper worship of God.
  • φραγέλλιον (fragellion) – “whip”: This unique term appears only here in the New Testament, emphasizing the physical force Yeshua was willing to use to purify His Father’s house.
  • ἀρχιτρίκλινος (architriklinos) – “master of the feast”: This specific role at the wedding highlights the social structure and expectations that frame the miracle, while also pointing to Yeshua as the true master of the messianic feast.

Compare & Contrast

  • John 2:4 “Woman, what does this have to do with Me?” (τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, γύναι) – This seemingly harsh address actually carries deep respect in Greek, similar to “Dear woman.” The choice of γύναι instead of μήτηρ (mother) anticipates Mary’s changing relationship with Yeshua as He begins His public ministry.
  • John 2:6 “Six stone water jars” – The specific number six is significant, representing human incompleteness (falling short of seven, the number of perfection), while stone emphasizes their connection to the Mosaic law written on stone tablets.
  • John 2:11 “This, the first of His signs” – John uses σημεῖον (sign) rather than δύναμις (power) or τέρας (wonder), emphasizing the miraculous act’s significance rather than its spectacular nature.
  • John 2:15 “Making a whip of cords” – The detail of Yeshua taking time to make the whip (ποιήσας φραγέλλιον) suggests deliberate, controlled action rather than impulsive rage.
  • John 2:19 “Destroy this temple” – The use of ναός (sanctuary) rather than ἱερόν (temple complex) precisely identifies the location of God’s presence, making the metaphor of Yeshua’s body more pointed.
  • John 2:23 “Many believed in His name” – The phrase πιστεύω εἰς τὸ ὄνομα (believed in His name) suggests deeper commitment than mere intellectual assent.
  • John 2:25 “He knew what was in man” – The use of ἄνθρωπος (human) rather than ἀνήρ (male) emphasizes Yeshua’s knowledge of human nature in general.

John 2 Unique Insights

The wedding at Cana contains fascinating parallels to ancient Jewish wedding customs that deepen our understanding of the miracle. Jewish weddings typically lasted seven days, and running out of wine would have brought tremendous shame to the family. The massive volume of wine created (120-180 gallons) exceeds what would be needed even for a large wedding feast, pointing to the abundant nature of messianic blessing and echoing prophetic imagery of the messianic age.

Rabbinic literature provides interesting context for the Temple cleansing. The Babylonian Talmud (Baba Bathra 3b) records that Herod’s Temple renovation was seen as partial atonement for his sins. This understanding adds irony to Yeshua’s actions – the true atonement was clearing out the very Temple that Herod had tried to use for his own redemption.

The early church father Origen noted that the six water jars correspond to the six days of creation, with Yeshua’s transformation of water to wine representing the new creation He inaugurates. This interpretation gains strength when we consider that John’s Gospel begins with “In the beginning,” explicitly connecting to Genesis.

Jewish mystical tradition saw the Temple as a microcosm of creation itself. When Yeshua cleanses the Temple and declares His body the new Temple, He is effectively announcing a new creation, with Himself as its center. This connects powerfully with Paul’s later theology of Yeshua as the “last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45).

John 2 Connections to Yeshua

The transformation of water into wine powerfully demonstrates Yeshua’s role as the inaugurator of the new covenant. The stone jars used for ceremonial washing represent the old covenant system of external purification, while the wine represents the joy and internal transformation of the new covenant. This mirrors Yeshua’s later teaching about new wineskins (Mark 2:22).

The Temple cleansing and Yeshua’s subsequent declaration about raising “this temple” in three days reveals His understanding of His own death and resurrection. More profoundly, it establishes Him as the true Temple – the ultimate meeting place between God and humanity. This fulfills the prophetic hope of Ezekiel 37:27, “My dwelling place shall be with them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.”

John 2 Scriptural Echoes

This chapter resonates with numerous Old Testament themes and prophecies. The wedding miracle recalls Isaiah 25:6-8, which describes the messianic banquet where יהוה (Yahweh) provides “well-aged wine” for all peoples. The Temple cleansing fulfills Malachi 3:1-4, which prophesies the Lord’s sudden coming to His Temple to purify the sons of Levi.

The chapter also connects to Psalm 69:9, “Zeal for your house has consumed me,” which John directly quotes. This Psalm, traditionally understood as messianic, provides biblical precedent for Yeshua’s seemingly violent action in the Temple.

John 2 Devotional

This chapter challenges us to examine our own response to Yeshua’s authority and transformation. Just as He transformed water into wine, He desires to transform our lives from mere religious observance to joyful relationship with Him. The question is: are we willing to let Him fill us completely, or do we, like the money changers, resist His authority to change how we operate?

The Temple cleansing reminds us that true worship isn’t about external religious activity but about heart relationship with God. We might ask ourselves: what tables need to be overturned in our lives? What practices or attitudes have we allowed to corrupt our worship?

Did You Know

  • The stone water jars mentioned would have held between 20-30 gallons each, meaning Yeshua created between 120-180 gallons of wine – approximately 757 bottles by modern standards!
  • Jewish wedding celebrations in the first century typically lasted seven days, and running out of wine would have been a serious social disgrace for the family.
  • The money changers in the Temple served a legitimate purpose – converting Roman coins (bearing the emperor’s image) into Temple currency for offerings – but had turned this necessary service into an opportunity for exploitation.
  • The Greek word for “whip” (φραγέλλιον) appears only once in the New Testament, right here in John 2.
  • The Temple complex was still under construction during this event, having been under renovation for 46 years – a project that would continue for another 36 years before being destroyed in 70 AD.
  • The master of the feast (architriklinos) was not just a toastmaster but had significant responsibilities, including tasting the wine before it was served to ensure its quality.
  • When Yeshua refers to “this temple,” He uses the Greek word ναός (naos), which specifically refers to the sanctuary where God’s presence dwelt, not ἱερόν (hieron), which referred to the entire Temple complex.
  • The Apostle John is the only Gospel writer to record the wedding at Cana miracle.
  • Archaeological discoveries have confirmed that stone water jars were indeed used for Jewish purification rites, as they were believed to be less susceptible to ritual impurity than ceramic vessels.
  • The Temple markets were located in the Court of the Gentiles, effectively preventing non-Jews from having a quiet place to worship God.

sendagiftfinal

This website has over 46,000 Biblical resources and is made possible through the generosity of supporters like you. If you’ve been blessed by these resources, please consider sending a gift today.

Bible Themes
Share your love
Jean Paul Joseph
Jean Paul Joseph

After a dramatic early morning encounter with King Jesus, I just couldn’t put my Bible down. The F.O.G took a hold of me and this website was born. Learn more about the F.O.G.

Articles: 46824

Add your first comment to this post

Related Posts

Encounter Him Send a Gift Scroll Top