John 2:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:11 records the culmination of Jesus' first public miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, where He transformed water into wine. This pivotal event is explicitly identified as the "beginning of signs" by which Jesus unveiled His inherent divine glory, leading His newly gathered disciples to a deeper and more profound belief in Him as the Messiah. It marks the inauguration of His public ministry, demonstrating His power over creation and His compassionate engagement with human life, setting the stage for all subsequent revelations of His identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 2:11 serves as the concluding summary statement for the account of the wedding at Cana, detailed in [John 2:1-10](/john/2-1-10 "The Wedding at Cana"). This narrative immediately follows Jesus' call of His first disciples in [John 1:35-51](/john/1-35-51 "Jesus Calls His First Disciples") and precedes His cleansing of the Temple in [John 2:13-22](/john/2-13-22 "Jesus Cleanses the Temple"). Within John's Gospel, this miracle is presented not merely as a wondrous act, but as the inaugural "sign" (Greek: *sēmeion*) in a series of seven such signs designed to reveal Jesus' divine identity and evoke belief. The placement of this domestic, joyous event at the outset of Jesus' public ministry highlights His presence and power in the ordinary affairs of human life, contrasting with the more confrontational Temple cleansing that follows.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting of a wedding feast in Cana, a small village in Galilee, is significant. Weddings in ancient Jewish culture were elaborate, multi-day affairs, central to community life and honor. Running out of wine, as happened in [John 2:3](/john/2-3 "The Wine Runs Out"), would have brought immense shame and dishonor upon the host family. The presence of large stone water jars, typically used for Jewish purification rituals (as noted in [John 2:6](/john/2-6 "Water Jars for Purification")), is also crucial. Jesus' transformation of this water, intended for ceremonial washing, into the finest wine carries profound symbolic weight, hinting at the new covenant and the superior provision He brings, fulfilling and surpassing the old. Galilee itself was a region often looked down upon by Judeans, making Cana an unlikely place for such a significant divine manifestation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes central to John's Gospel. Firstly, it introduces the concept of Jesus' miracles as **"signs"** ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of John's Signs")), which are not just demonstrations of power but revelatory acts pointing to His divine nature and mission. Secondly, it emphasizes the **"manifestation of His glory,"** echoing the prologue's declaration that "we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Incarnation and Glory of the Word")). This glory is the visible manifestation of God's presence and power, now embodied in Jesus. Thirdly, the verse highlights the **deepening of the disciples' belief** in Jesus, underscoring that the purpose of these signs is to lead people to faith in Him as the Christ, the Son of God ([John 20:31](/john/20-31 "Belief Leading to Life")). Finally, the transformation of water into wine symbolizes the **abundance and superiority of the new covenant** Jesus inaugurates, replacing the old order with a richer, more joyous reality, a theme also seen in His discourse on living water in [John 4:10-14](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **miracles (Greek, _sēmeîon'_):** From the base of *sēmaínō* (to signify), this word denotes an indication, especially one that is ceremonially or supernaturally significant. In John's Gospel, *sēmeîon* is consistently used to describe Jesus' wondrous works not merely as acts of power, but as "signs" that point beyond themselves to His divine identity and the spiritual truths He embodies. They are revelatory pointers to who Jesus truly is.
* **manifested forth (Greek, _phaneróō'_):** This verb means "to render apparent" or "to make visible," whether literally or figuratively. It signifies a clear, open disclosure or revelation. When applied to Jesus manifesting His glory, it implies that His divine nature, which was previously veiled, was now made evident and perceivable through His actions.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa'_):** Derived from the base of *dokéō* (to seem, to think), *dóxa* refers to glory as something very apparent, encompassing dignity, honor, praise, and worship. In a theological context, it refers to the visible manifestation of God's presence and inherent majesty. Here, it signifies the divine splendor and inherent Godhead of Jesus that was revealed through His miraculous act.
* **believed (Greek, _pisteúō'_):** From *pístis* (faith), this verb means "to have faith in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing," implying credit or trust. In the context of the disciples, it means they placed their trust and confidence in Jesus, acknowledging His divine authority and identity as revealed through the sign. This belief is a commitment of one's spiritual well-being to Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee,"**: This clause establishes the historical and geographical context of the event, identifying it as Jesus' inaugural public "sign." The term "beginning" (Greek: *archē*) is significant, marking the commencement of Jesus' revelatory ministry through supernatural acts. Cana of Galilee, a humble village, becomes the stage for this foundational display of divine power, underscoring that God's work often begins in unexpected places.
* **"and manifested forth his glory;"**: This is the theological core of the verse. Through the transformation of water into wine, Jesus did not just perform a helpful deed; He "made visible" (manifested forth) His inherent divine "glory" (doxa). This glory is the visible expression of His divine nature, His majesty, and His intrinsic connection to God the Father. It was a tangible, undeniable glimpse of His Godhead, confirming the claims made about Him in the Gospel's prologue.
* **"and his disciples believed on him."**: The immediate and intended result of this manifestation of glory was the deepening of faith among Jesus' newly gathered disciples. While they had already begun to follow Him, this powerful demonstration of His divine authority and nature solidified their nascent belief. It was a foundational experience that confirmed their commitment and provided a concrete basis for their understanding of who Jesus truly was, preparing them for future revelations and their eventual mission.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:11 employs several significant literary devices. **Symbolism** is paramount, as the transformation of water (associated with old covenant purification rituals) into wine (a symbol of joy, abundance, and the new covenant) powerfully conveys Jesus' role in inaugurating a new era. The "best wine" also symbolizes the superior quality of God's new provision in Christ. The concept of **"signs"** (*sēmeîon*) itself is a literary device unique to John, emphasizing that Jesus' miracles are not ends in themselves but pointers to His identity and purpose, designed to evoke faith. The phrase "manifested forth his glory" is a form of **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God, albeit veiled in human form, aligning with the prologue's declaration in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh"). This verse also uses **cause and effect** to link Jesus' action (manifesting glory) directly to the disciples' response (belief), highlighting the revelatory purpose of His works.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:11 stands as a foundational theological statement, revealing Jesus not merely as a miracle worker but as the incarnate God. The manifestation of His glory connects directly to the Old Testament concept of the *Shekinah* glory, the visible presence of God among His people, now residing fully in Christ. This first sign foreshadows the ultimate transformation Jesus brings: not just water to wine, but sin to salvation, death to life, and the old covenant to the new. It underscores God's abundant provision and His desire to bring joy and blessing, even in the midst of human lack. The disciples' belief is a model for all who encounter Jesus' signs—they are meant to lead to a deeper, saving faith.

* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")
* [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of John's Signs")
* [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "The Lord's Feast for All Peoples")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The miracle at Cana offers profound insights for our lives today. It reminds us that Jesus is present and active not only in grand, miraculous displays but also in the ordinary, sometimes embarrassing, moments of our daily existence. Just as He transformed common water into extraordinary wine, He has the power to transform our mundane routines, our moments of lack, and our deepest disappointments into opportunities for His glory to be revealed. This "beginning of signs" invites us to cultivate a posture of expectant faith, trusting that Jesus cares about the details of our lives and desires to bring abundance and joy where there is scarcity. It challenges us to look beyond the surface of our circumstances and perceive the deeper reality of His divine presence and power at work, leading us to a deeper, more resilient belief in Him, just as it did for His first disciples.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' willingness to engage with an ordinary wedding feast challenge my perceptions of where and how God works in the world?**
* **In what "ordinary" or even "embarrassing" situations in my life might Jesus be waiting to manifest His glory and bring transformation?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper, more active belief in Jesus' power to transform the mundane into the miraculous in my own life?**
* **What "signs" of God's presence and activity have I witnessed recently, and how have they deepened my faith?**

### FAQ

**Why is this event called a "beginning of miracles" or "signs" in John's Gospel?**

Answer: The Gospel of John deliberately uses the term "sign" (Greek: *sēmeîon*) rather than "miracle" (Greek: *dynamis* or *teras*) to describe Jesus' works. While these acts are indeed miraculous demonstrations of power, John emphasizes that their primary purpose is to *point* beyond themselves to Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and to reveal deeper spiritual truths. John 2:11 marks the first of these revelatory acts, setting the pattern for the subsequent signs recorded in the Gospel, all of which are intended to evoke and confirm belief in Jesus (see [John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "The Purpose of John's Signs")).

**What does it mean that Jesus "manifested forth his glory" at Cana?**

Answer: To "manifest forth his glory" means that Jesus openly revealed or made visible His inherent divine nature, majesty, and splendor. This was not merely a display of power, but a glimpse into His Godhead. It connects to the Old Testament concept of God's *Shekinah* glory, which was the visible presence of God among His people. In Jesus, this divine glory is fully embodied. The transformation of water into wine was a tangible, undeniable demonstration of His creative power and authority, confirming that He is indeed the Son of God, as declared in [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh and Dwelt Among Us")).

**How did this miracle deepen the disciples' belief in Jesus?**

Answer: While the disciples had already begun to follow Jesus (as seen in [John 1](/john/1 "John Chapter 1")), their belief was likely nascent and based on initial encounters and prophecies. The miracle at Cana provided concrete, undeniable evidence of Jesus' divine power and authority. Witnessing Him transform vast quantities of water into the finest wine, effortlessly and supernaturally, solidified their understanding of who He was. It moved their belief from intellectual assent or initial curiosity to a deeper, more profound trust and commitment, confirming their decision to follow Him and preparing them for the greater revelations to come.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle at Cana, Jesus' "beginning of signs," is a profound Christ-centered fulfillment of Old Testament hopes and a powerful foreshadowing of the new covenant. By transforming water—often associated with Jewish purification rituals and the old covenant's inadequacy—into abundant, superior wine, Jesus symbolically inaugurates a new era of grace and joy. He is the true Bridegroom who provides the lavish feast, fulfilling prophecies of a messianic banquet (as seen in [Isaiah 25:6-9](/isaiah/25-6-9 "The Lord's Feast for All Peoples")). The manifestation of His glory at Cana anticipates the ultimate revelation of His glory on the cross and through His resurrection, where He provides the "new wine" of His blood, establishing the new covenant (as described in [Matthew 26:27-29](/matthew/26-27-29 "The Cup of the New Covenant")). This initial sign points forward to Jesus as the source of true spiritual abundance, transforming the ordinary and insufficient into the extraordinary and life-giving, culminating in the ultimate sign of His sacrificial death and triumphant resurrection, through which all who believe may have eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "God So Loved the World")). He is the one who brings the ultimate celebration, replacing the old with a joy that never runs out.

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 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.