John 2:11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

This {G5026} beginning {G746} of miracles {G4592} did {G4160} Jesus {G2424} in {G1722} Cana {G2580} of Galilee {G1056}, and {G2532} manifested forth {G5319} his {G846} glory {G1391}; and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101} believed {G4100} on {G1519} him {G846}.

This, the first of Yeshua’s miraculous signs, he did at Kanah in the Galil; he manifested his glory, and his talmidim came to trust in him.

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

This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Context

John 2:11 marks a pivotal moment in the Gospel of John, serving as the conclusion to the account of Jesus' first public miracle: the turning of water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. This event immediately followed Jesus calling His first disciples and precedes His cleansing of the Temple. The setting of a wedding feast highlights the ordinariness of the circumstances in which Jesus began His public ministry, demonstrating His presence and power in everyday human life. The running out of wine would have been a significant social embarrassment for the hosts, and Jesus' intervention, prompted by His mother Mary, showcased His compassion and immediate ability to provide in abundance, surpassing all expectations (as seen in John 2:10).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Beginning of Signs: John emphasizes that this was the "beginning of miracles," or more accurately, the "beginning of signs" (Greek: archē tōn sēmeiōn). In John's Gospel, miracles are not merely wondrous acts but are carefully chosen "signs" that point to Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and reveal deeper spiritual truths. This initial sign sets the pattern for many others throughout John's narrative, all designed to evoke belief.
  • Manifestation of Glory: The verse states Jesus "manifested forth his glory." This refers to the revelation of His divine nature, majesty, and power. It was a tangible display of His inherent Godhead, a glimpse of the splendor that was veiled in His humanity. This concept echoes the prologue of John's Gospel, where it is stated that "we beheld his glory" (John 1:14). The transformation of water, a common element, into the finest wine underscored His creative power and authority over creation.
  • Disciples' Belief: A direct consequence of this miracle was that "his disciples believed on him." While they had already begun to follow Him, this powerful demonstration of His divine nature solidified and deepened their faith. It was a foundational moment for their understanding of who Jesus truly was, confirming their commitment and drawing them into a deeper relationship with their Lord. This strengthened belief is crucial for their future witness.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase archē tōn sēmeiōn (ἀρχὴ τῶν σημείων) translates to "the beginning of the signs." The word sēmeion (σημεῖον) is significant in John's Gospel. Unlike other New Testament terms for miracles (e.g., dynamis for power, teras for wonder), sēmeion specifically denotes an act that points beyond itself to a greater truth or identity. It's a pointer, a signpost. The phrase "manifested forth his glory" uses the Greek verb ephanerōsen (ἐφανέρωσεν), meaning "he made visible, he revealed," and the noun doxa (δόξα), referring to divine splendor, majesty, or honor. This revelation of doxa was a direct display of His divine nature, akin to the glory of God revealed in the Old Testament.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today. Just as Jesus began His ministry by revealing His glory in an ordinary setting, He continues to work in our everyday lives, often in unexpected ways. The miracle at Cana reminds us that Jesus is concerned with all aspects of human life, including our needs, joys, and even our social embarrassments. It assures us that He has the power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, to bring abundance where there is lack, and to manifest His glory through acts of grace and provision. For us, this "beginning of signs" serves as an invitation to deepen our own belief in Him, trusting in His divine power and His benevolent presence in our lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • John 20:30

    And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book:

  • John 20:31

    But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

  • John 1:14

    And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

  • John 3:2

    The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.

  • John 6:2

    And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.

  • John 6:26

    Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.

  • John 6:14

    Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.

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