John 2:1

KJV

¶ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} the third {G5154} day {G2250} there was {G1096} a marriage {G1062} in {G1722} Cana {G2580} of Galilee {G1056}; and {G2532} the mother {G3384} of Jesus {G2424} was {G2258} there {G1563}:

Complete Jewish Bible

On Tuesday there was a wedding at Kanah in the Galil; and the mother of Yeshua was there.

Berean Standard Bible

On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there,

American Standard Version

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:1 serves as a foundational verse, meticulously setting the scene for Jesus' inaugural public miracle, often referred to as His first "sign" in John's Gospel. It precisely establishes the temporal and geographical context—"the third day" at a marriage celebration in "Cana of Galilee"—while also introducing a key figure, "the mother of Jesus," thereby grounding the divine in the ordinary fabric of human life and social interaction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the conclusion of a significant introductory section in John's Gospel, which details the witness of John the Baptist and the calling of Jesus' first disciples (see [John 1:19-51](/john/1-19-51 "John 1:19-51 - John the Baptist's Testimony and Jesus Calls Disciples")). The phrase "the third day" in [John 2:1](/john/2-1 "John 2:1 - The Wedding at Cana") acts as a deliberate chronological marker, linking it directly to the events of [John 1:43](/john/1-43 "John 1:43 - Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael") and suggesting a rapid progression of events leading to the commencement of Jesus' public ministry. It transitions the narrative from the initial gathering of disciples to the first public demonstration of Jesus' glory, establishing the setting for the miraculous transformation of water into wine.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Marriage celebrations in ancient Galilee were significant social events, often lasting several days, characterized by communal feasting, music, and dancing. Such events were central to village life and social cohesion. Cana of Galilee was a small, relatively obscure village, likely just a few miles north of Nazareth, Jesus' hometown. The presence of Jesus and His mother, Mary, at this wedding suggests a family connection or close acquaintance with the hosts, underscoring Jesus' embeddedness in the social customs and community life of His time. This setting highlights the ordinariness of the circumstances in which Jesus chose to reveal His divine power.
* **Key Themes:** John 2:1 introduces several crucial themes that will be developed throughout the Gospel. Firstly, it marks the **Inauguration of Jesus' Public Ministry**, setting the stage for His first "sign" as described in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana"), which reveals His glory. Secondly, it emphasizes **Jesus' Humanity and Relatability**, showing Him participating in a common human celebration, affirming the goodness of creation and human institutions like marriage. His presence at a wedding underscores His willingness to engage with everyday life, not just religious or theological discourse. Thirdly, the verse subtly introduces **Mary's Pivotal Role**, as her presence is noted before Jesus' own, hinting at her forthcoming intercession and faith, which will prompt Jesus' first public miracle.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **marriage (Greek, _gámos'_):** This term refers to "nuptials" or a "wedding feast." In this context, it signifies a joyous social occasion, a foundational institution in human society, and a common setting for community gathering. Its presence here emphasizes Jesus' engagement with ordinary human life and celebration.
* **was (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to come into being," "to become," or "to happen," denotes the occurrence or event of the wedding. It highlights the factual, historical nature of the event, grounding the subsequent miracle in a real-world context. It is not merely a static state but an active happening.
* **Galilee (Greek, _Galilaía'_):** Derived from a Hebrew word meaning "circle" or "district," Galilee refers to the northern region of Palestine, often viewed by Judeans as less religiously pure or more culturally mixed. Jesus' ministry beginning in this region, specifically in Cana, underscores His connection to the common people and fulfills prophetic expectations about light dawning in Galilee (cf. [Isaiah 9:1-2](/isaiah/9-1-2 "Isaiah 9:1-2 - Light in Galilee")).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And the third day":** This precise chronological marker is characteristic of John's Gospel, which often employs specific day counts to structure its narrative and highlight theological significance. In this instance, "the third day" likely refers to the third day after Jesus' arrival in Galilee or the calling of Nathanael in [John 1:49-51](/john/1-49-51 "John 1:49-51 - Nathanael's Confession and Jesus' Promise"). It signals a new phase or a significant turning point in the unfolding of Jesus' ministry, echoing the "third day" motif found elsewhere in biblical narratives, often associated with divine intervention or revelation (e.g., [Exodus 19:16](/exodus/19-16 "Exodus 19:16 - God Appears on Mount Sinai") for the giving of the Law, or the resurrection on the third day).
* **"there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee;":** This clause establishes the specific setting for the first of Jesus' "signs." The "marriage" (wedding feast) signifies a joyous, communal event, underscoring Jesus' participation in the ordinary, celebratory aspects of human life. Cana, a small village in the region of Galilee, emphasizes the humble and accessible nature of Jesus' initial public acts, contrasting with the grander, more public settings of later miracles in Jerusalem.
* **"and the mother of Jesus was there:":** The inclusion of Jesus' mother, Mary, is significant. Her presence indicates a personal connection to the wedding hosts, suggesting a family or close acquaintance. Her presence also sets the stage for her pivotal role in the subsequent verses, where her observation of the wine shortage and her instruction to the servants ("Whatever He says to you, do it," [John 2:5](/john/2-5 "John 2:5 - Mary's Instruction to Servants")) will directly lead to Jesus' first miracle. This highlights her faith and perhaps her unique understanding of her son's divine nature and capabilities.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:1 employs several literary devices to effectively set its scene. The precise temporal marker, **Chronological Detail** ("the third day"), is a hallmark of John's Gospel, lending a sense of historical verisimilitude and often carrying theological weight, hinting at a significant unfolding of God's plan. The **Geographical Specificity** ("Cana of Galilee") grounds the narrative in a real, identifiable location, emphasizing the historical reality of Jesus' life and ministry. This detail also subtly highlights Jesus' humble origins and the beginning of His public work in a region often looked down upon by the religious elite of Jerusalem. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Exposition** or **Setting**, introducing the key characters (Jesus, His mother) and the context (a wedding) for the dramatic events that are about to unfold, creating anticipation for the "sign" that will reveal Jesus' glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:1 introduces Jesus into the very fabric of human celebration and community, affirming the goodness of human institutions and the sanctity of ordinary life. It underscores that God is not distant from our daily joys and social gatherings, but actively present within them. The wedding at Cana, a symbol of covenant and joyous union, becomes the backdrop for Jesus' first public revelation of His divine power, signifying that His arrival brings a new era of God's presence and blessing, a "new wine" that surpasses the old. This initial "sign" foreshadows the greater spiritual transformation Jesus offers, establishing His authority and identity as the Son of God.

* [Hebrews 13:4](/hebrews/13-4 "Marriage is Honorable")
* [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Jesus' Humiliation")
* [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "The First Sign at Cana")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 2:1 offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that Jesus is not a distant, ethereal figure, but one who fully engaged with the human experience, including its celebrations and social norms. His presence at a wedding in a small, obscure village underscores the sacredness of ordinary life and the divine affirmation of human relationships and institutions like marriage. For us, this means that no aspect of our lives—our celebrations, our work, our relationships, or even our mundane routines—is outside the scope of God's interest or presence. We are invited to welcome Christ into every facet of our existence, trusting that His presence can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, just as water was turned into wine. This verse encourages us to live with an awareness of God's immanence, inviting Him to sanctify our daily lives and to reveal His glory even in the most common settings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' presence at a wedding in Cana challenge or affirm your understanding of God's involvement in everyday human life?**
* **In what "ordinary" aspects of your life do you most need to invite Christ's presence and transforming power?**
* **What does "the third day" motif in John 2:1 suggest about the timing and significance of God's actions in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Why is the specific mention of "the third day" important in John 2:1?**

Answer: The phrase "the third day" is a deliberate chronological marker in John's Gospel, linking this event to the preceding narrative of Jesus calling His first disciples (see [John 1:35-51](/john/1-35-51 "John 1:35-51 - Jesus Calls His First Disciples")). More significantly, it carries theological weight, often signaling a pivotal moment or a new beginning in biblical narratives. In the Old Testament, "the third day" frequently marks a divine encounter or a significant revelation, such as God appearing to Moses on Mount Sinai (e.g., [Exodus 19:11](/exodus/19-11 "Exodus 19:11 - Preparation for God's Appearance")). In the New Testament, it famously foreshadows Jesus' resurrection on the third day (e.g., [Luke 24:46](/luke/24-46 "Luke 24:46 - The Messiah Must Suffer and Rise")). Thus, for John, "the third day" here subtly hints at the inauguration of a new era of divine activity through Jesus, culminating in His ultimate revelation of glory through the resurrection.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 2:1, by setting the scene for Jesus' first public miracle at a wedding feast, subtly yet profoundly points to Christ's ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. The wedding itself, a joyous union, serves as a powerful **type** or foreshadowing of the grand eschatological "marriage supper of the Lamb" described in [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb"), where Christ, the ultimate Bridegroom, will be united with His Church, His bride. Jesus' presence at this earthly wedding, and His subsequent provision of "new wine" that surpasses the old, symbolizes the new covenant He inaugurates, replacing the old covenant's limitations with the abundant grace and joy of the Gospel (cf. [Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Matthew 9:15 - The Bridegroom and His Companions")). This initial "sign" in Cana, therefore, is not merely a display of power but a prophetic act, revealing Jesus as the one who brings the ultimate feast, the true spiritual nourishment, and the fulfillment of all messianic hopes, transforming the ordinary into a foretaste of the glorious eternal celebration with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

Proverbs 31:10

¶ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price [is] far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:12

She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

John 21:2

There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the [sons] of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

John 1:43

¶ The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

Matthew 12:46

¶ While he yet talked to the people, behold, [his] mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.

Proverbs 18:22

¶ [Whoso] findeth a wife findeth a good [thing], and obtaineth favour of the LORD.