John 2:2

KJV

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} both {G2532} Jesus {G2424} was called {G2564}, and {G2532} his {G846} disciples {G3101}, to {G1519} the marriage {G1062}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua too was invited to the wedding, along with his talmidim.

Berean Standard Bible

and Jesus and His disciples had also been invited to the wedding.

American Standard Version

and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:2 succinctly establishes the setting for Jesus' first public miracle, noting His presence, along with His newly called disciples, at a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee. This seemingly simple detail is profoundly significant, highlighting Jesus' full participation in human life and social customs, His humble engagement with ordinary events, and the early stages of His disciples' journey with Him, all before the dramatic revelation of His divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 2:2 follows immediately after the conclusion of John 1, which details the calling of Jesus' first disciples, including Andrew, Peter, Philip, and Nathanael ([John 1:35-51](/john/1-35-51 "John 1:35-51 - The Calling of the First Disciples")). The verse thus marks a transition from the initial gathering of followers to the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, signified by His first "sign" or miracle (John 2:11). The wedding at Cana serves as the initial backdrop for Jesus' revelatory actions, setting the stage for the unfolding of His identity and mission through a series of signs that demonstrate His glory and invite belief ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Israel were not mere ceremonies but multi-day community celebrations, often lasting a week or more, characterized by feasting, music, and great joy. They were central to Jewish social and family life, symbolizing new beginnings and the continuity of the family line. To be invited was an honor, and attendance was a social expectation, especially for family and close friends. Cana of Galilee was a small village, likely close to Nazareth, indicating Jesus' ministry began not in a major religious center but in the humble, everyday life of the Galilean countryside, consistent with the themes of His incarnation and accessibility.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several foundational themes in John's Gospel. It underscores **Jesus' Humanity and Incarnation**, showing Him participating in a common human celebration, not aloof from the world He came to save ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Jesus' Humility and Incarnation")). It subtly introduces the theme of **Divine Presence in the Mundane**, as the Son of God engages with ordinary life, hinting that His glory can be revealed even in unexpected settings. Furthermore, the inclusion of "his disciples" highlights the **Early Stages of Discipleship**, emphasizing that Jesus' followers were immediately integrated into His life and ministry, learning by observation and participation from the very beginning of His public work ([Luke 6:40](/luke/6-40 "Luke 6:40 - Discipleship and Becoming Like the Teacher")). Finally, Jesus' attendance at a wedding implicitly blesses the institution of **Marriage**, affirming its place within God's good creation and design.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Jesus (Greek, _Iēsoûs'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew name "Joshua" or "Yehoshua," meaning "Yahweh is salvation." Its inclusion here is foundational, as it identifies the central figure of the narrative and foreshadows His ultimate mission of bringing salvation.
* **called (Greek, _kaléō'_):** Meaning "to call" or "to bid," this word implies a formal invitation. It signifies that Jesus and His disciples were welcomed guests, underscoring the hospitality of the hosts and Jesus' willingness to accept such an invitation, demonstrating His humility and social grace.
* **marriage (Greek, _gámos'_):** Referring to "nuptials" or "wedding," this term denotes the celebratory event itself. Its presence highlights the social context of Jesus' first miracle, emphasizing a setting of joy, community, and new beginnings, which will be profoundly transformed by His divine intervention.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And both Jesus was called":** This clause establishes Jesus' direct invitation to the wedding. It signifies His personal engagement with the social fabric of His time and His accessibility to ordinary people, setting a precedent for His ministry that would often occur within the context of everyday life.
* **"and his disciples":** The inclusion of the disciples indicates that they were not merely observers but active participants in Jesus' life from the outset of His public ministry. This highlights the communal aspect of discipleship and suggests that Jesus desired His followers to witness His actions and learn from His interactions.
* **"to the marriage":** This phrase specifies the destination and purpose of their invitation. It grounds the subsequent miracle in a common, relatable human event, emphasizing that Jesus' divine power was not reserved for temple rituals or formal religious settings but could manifest in the midst of human celebration and need.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Simplicity** and **Understatement**, presenting a profound truth in a straightforward manner. The seemingly mundane detail of an invitation to a wedding belies the extraordinary significance of the guest. This simplicity creates a powerful **Contrast** with the miraculous event that immediately follows, highlighting the divine breaking into the ordinary. The presence of Jesus and His disciples at a wedding also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the new covenant that Jesus would inaugurate, often depicted in Scripture as a wedding feast (e.g., the marriage supper of the Lamb). The inclusion of "his disciples" also functions as **Metonymy**, where the presence of the disciples implies the nascent community forming around Jesus, a community that will grow and be transformed by His teachings and signs.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:2, though brief, is rich in theological implications, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of Jesus' identity and mission. His presence at a wedding, a symbol of covenant and union, foreshadows His role as the bridegroom of the church, establishing a new covenant relationship with humanity. It underscores the truth that God is not distant from human experience but intimately involved in the joys and challenges of daily life, sanctifying the ordinary through His presence. This verse also subtly introduces the theme of divine provision and transformation, which will be overtly demonstrated in the turning of water into wine, pointing to the abundance and newness that Jesus brings.

* [Isaiah 62:5](/isaiah/62-5 "God's Joy Over His People as a Bridegroom")
* [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")
* [Matthew 9:15](/matthew/9-15 "Jesus as the Bridegroom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 2:2 invites us to consider the profound implications of Jesus' willingness to step into the ordinary fabric of human life. His presence at the wedding in Cana reminds us that faith is not meant to be confined to religious services or isolated spiritual moments but is intended to permeate every aspect of our existence. Just as Jesus was invited to the marriage, we are called to invite Him into all our celebrations, our relationships, our work, and our challenges. This verse encourages us to recognize that the sacred can be found in the secular, and that God's glory can be revealed in the most mundane of circumstances when Christ is present. It challenges us to live integrated lives where our faith informs our daily interactions, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for divine encounter and witness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus' willingness to attend a social celebration like a wedding challenge our perceptions of what it means to live a "spiritual" life?**
* **In what specific areas of your daily life do you need to intentionally invite Jesus' presence and influence?**
* **How does the fact that Jesus' disciples were also present encourage you about the importance of community in your faith journey?**

### FAQ
**Why is it significant that Jesus' first miracle occurred at a wedding?**

Answer: The choice of a wedding for Jesus' first miracle is highly significant for several reasons. Culturally, weddings were symbols of great joy, community, and new beginnings. By performing His first "sign" here, Jesus implicitly blesses the institution of marriage and demonstrates His willingness to engage with and sanctify ordinary human life. Theologically, it foreshadows the new covenant Jesus would establish with humanity, often depicted in Scripture as a marriage between Christ and His church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church as Bride and Groom")). The transformation of water into wine also symbolizes the spiritual transformation and abundant joy that Jesus brings, replacing the old order with something new and superior ([John 2:9-10](/john/2-9-10 "John 2:9-10 - The Superiority of Jesus' Wine")).

**What does the inclusion of "his disciples" tell us about early discipleship?**

Answer: The mention of "his disciples" being called alongside Jesus indicates that from the very beginning of His public ministry, Jesus intended for His followers to be intimately involved in His life and work. This highlights the communal nature of discipleship; learning from Jesus was not a solitary academic pursuit but an immersive experience of living and interacting with Him. They were witnesses to His actions, including His first miracle, which served to strengthen their nascent faith ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Disciples Believed in Him")). This early inclusion emphasizes that discipleship involves not just hearing teachings but observing, participating, and sharing in the Master's life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 2:2, by placing Jesus at a wedding, subtly yet profoundly points to His ultimate role as the divine Bridegroom and the inaugurator of the new covenant. The joyous occasion of a human marriage, a symbol of covenant and union, serves as a earthly shadow of the heavenly reality Jesus came to establish. Just as a groom provides for his bride, Jesus, the true Bridegroom, provides abundantly for His people, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, as seen in the subsequent miracle of water into wine ([John 2:7-10](/john/2-7-10 "John 2:7-10 - Water into Wine")). This act foreshadows the spiritual transformation He offers, replacing the old covenant of law with the new covenant of grace and truth ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")). Ultimately, Jesus' presence at this wedding anticipates the grand eschatological wedding feast, the "marriage supper of the Lamb," where Christ and His redeemed church will be eternally united in perfect joy and communion ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). Thus, John 2:2 is not merely a historical detail but a Christ-centered invitation to understand the depth of God's redemptive plan, culminating in the joyous union between Christ and His beloved.

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 1:40

One of the two which heard John [speak], and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

John 1:49

Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

Matthew 10:40

He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

Matthew 10:42

And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold [water] only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

1 Corinthians 7:39

¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

Hebrews 13:4

Marriage [is] honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.

Colossians 3:17

And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.