Introduction

Understanding Greek words is crucial in Biblical studies because it provides deeper insights into the text’s original context and meanings. Κανά (Kana), a geographical name in the New Testament, is particularly significant for its association with Jesus’ first miracle—the turning of water into wine at a wedding. This location is not only relevant for interpreting New Testament passages but also offers a glimpse into ancient Judean geography and culture.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: Κανά, transliterated as Kana, pronounced [Kah-NAH].
• Etymology: The word Κανά likely derives from Hebrew origin, perhaps related to the root קָנֶה (qaneh), meaning “reed” or “place of reeds.”
• Part of Speech: Proper noun; a geographical name referring to a village in Galilee.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Cana: A village in Galilee, notable for being the site of Jesus’ first miracle as recorded in the Gospel of John.

Similar Words: Καφαρναούμ (Kapharnaoum) [kah-far-nah-OOM], meaning “Capernaum,” is another significant New Testament location. Unlike Κανά, which is known for a single miraculous event, Capernaum is frequently mentioned as a central hub for Jesus’ ministry.

Further Insights: Κανά is indeclinable in Greek, meaning its form remains the same regardless of its grammatical case (nominative, genitive, dative, or accusative). It primarily appears in the nominative and accusative cases in the New Testament narratives.
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Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Lists Κανά as a geographical location in Galilee, best known for the wedding at which Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine (John 2:1-11).
• Thayers: Emphasizes Κανά as a village in Galilee and provides references to the passages in the New Testament where it is mentioned, mainly in the Gospel of John.
• Vines: Highlights the significance of Κανά in the context of Jesus’ ministry, particularly in demonstrating His divine authority through miracles.
• LSJ: Focuses on the Greek usage of Κανά as a proper noun and provides examples of its appearance in early Christian literature.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists Κανά with cross-references to the passages in which it appears and notes its Hebrew origin, emphasizing its meaning as “reed” or “place of reeds.”

Related Scripture References

• John 2:1-11: “On the third day there was a wedding in Cana [Κανά] of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there…”
• John 4:46: “Therefore He came again to Cana [Κανά] of Galilee where He had made the water wine…”
• John 21:2: “Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana [Κανά] in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples were together.”

Classical Usage

Summary of Κανά (G2580)

Κανά is a significant geographical name in the New Testament, primarily recognized as the location where Jesus performed His first miracle of turning water into wine. The word is indeclinable and primarily used as a proper noun to indicate this village in Galilee. Its significance is enhanced by its Hebrew etymological roots and its frequent mention in early Christian literature, emphasizing its historical and theological importance.

Did You Know?

• Κανά is mentioned only in the Gospel of John and nowhere else in the New Testament.
• The word Κανά is believed to be derived from Hebrew, indicating a “reed” or “place of reeds,” which might hint at its geographical features.
• Archaeologists have suggested several potential sites for Κανά in modern-day Israel, but its exact location remains debated.

By exploring the word Κανά, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for its role in Biblical narrative and its significance in early Christian thought.