John 2:3

KJV

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} when they wanted {G5302} wine {G3631}, the mother {G3384} of Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto {G4314} him {G846}, They have {G2192} no {G3756} wine {G3631}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The wine ran out, and Yeshua’s mother said to him, “They have no more wine.”

Berean Standard Bible

When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.”

American Standard Version

And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:3 marks a pivotal moment at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, where the joyous celebration faces an abrupt and potentially humiliating crisis: the wine runs out. In this verse, Mary, the mother of Jesus, observes the family's dire predicament and discreetly brings this urgent need to her Son's attention, setting the immediate stage for Jesus' first public miracle and the unveiling of His divine power.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** John 2:3 is nestled within the opening narrative of Jesus' public ministry, specifically detailing the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). The preceding verses (John 2:1-2) introduce the setting and the presence of Jesus, His disciples, and His mother. This verse immediately precedes Jesus' enigmatic response to Mary (John 2:4) and His subsequent command to fill the waterpots (John 2:6-7), culminating in the miraculous transformation of water into wine (John 2:9-10). This "sign" is explicitly identified as the first of Jesus' public miracles, through which He "manifested his glory" (John 2:11), establishing His divine authority and drawing His disciples to believe in Him. Thus, John 2:3 functions as the inciting incident, creating the need that Jesus will supernaturally address.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Near Eastern culture were not merely single-day events but often multi-day celebrations, sometimes lasting a week or more, symbolizing the union of families and the establishment of new social bonds. Hospitality was paramount, and hosts were expected to provide abundantly for their guests. Running out of a staple like wine—a symbol of joy, blessing, and abundance—would have been a catastrophic social embarrassment, bringing immense shame upon the host family. It would be seen as a profound failure of hospitality and a public disgrace, potentially damaging their reputation for years. Mary, likely a close relative or friend, would have been acutely aware of this impending social disaster, prompting her compassionate and urgent appeal to Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **divine provision** in the face of human inadequacy; the lack of wine symbolizes humanity's spiritual emptiness and need for God's intervention. Secondly, it subtly introduces the theme of **Jesus' sovereign authority** over creation and circumstances, even before His public ministry fully commences. Mary's direct appeal, despite Jesus' initial reluctance in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Response to Mary"), implies an implicit recognition of His unique power. Thirdly, the verse underscores the **role of intercession** and bringing human needs to Jesus, a pattern that continues throughout the Gospels. Finally, the impending crisis of the "old" wine running out subtly foreshadows the transition from the old covenant's rituals and limitations to the abundant "new wine" of the new covenant brought by Christ, a concept further developed in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **wanted (Greek, _hysteréō'_):** This word, G5302, signifies "to be later," "to be inferior," or "to fall short" (as in the provided Strong's data). In this context, it precisely means "to be deficient," "to lack," or "to run out." It conveys the complete absence of wine, emphasizing the critical and embarrassing predicament of the hosts, rather than merely a desire for more. The KJV's "wanted" might be misleading to a modern reader, as it implies desire, but the Greek clearly denotes a state of deficiency.
* **wine (Greek, _oînos'_):** This word, G3631, refers to fermented grape juice, a common beverage in the ancient world. Beyond its literal meaning, "wine" frequently carries symbolic weight in scripture, often representing joy, celebration, prosperity, and even the covenant relationship between God and His people. Its absence at a wedding feast, therefore, signifies not just a material lack but a profound disruption of joy and blessing, setting the stage for Jesus to restore and elevate the celebration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when they wanted wine":** This opening clause establishes the critical problem at the wedding feast. The Greek verb `hysteréō` (wanted/lacked) conveys a state of deficiency or having run out, indicating a complete absence of wine rather than merely a desire for more. This detail immediately highlights the severity of the social crisis facing the host family, as running out of wine would bring immense shame and dishonor.
* **"the mother of Jesus saith unto him":** This phrase introduces Mary's active role in recognizing the problem and bringing it to Jesus' attention. Her direct address to Jesus suggests a unique relationship and perhaps an underlying expectation or faith in His ability to intervene, even though His public ministry had not yet formally begun. It positions her as an intercessor, bringing a human need before divine power.
* **"They have no wine":** This simple, declarative statement from Mary succinctly articulates the urgent and embarrassing situation. It is a direct appeal, a statement of fact that simultaneously functions as an implicit request for help. This phrase underscores the complete inadequacy of human provision and sets the stage for Jesus' supernatural response, which will demonstrate His glory and power.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:3 employs several subtle but significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the running out of wine, a symbol of joy and abundance, subtly anticipates the spiritual "lack" of humanity that only Jesus can fill. The impending crisis also **foreshadows** Jesus' role as the ultimate provider, transforming scarcity into superabundance. There is a touch of **irony** in Mary's direct appeal, as Jesus' response in the subsequent verse ([John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Response to Mary")) seems to distance Himself from her earthly authority, yet He ultimately acts. The **symbolism** of "wine" itself is crucial; its absence represents the deficiency of the old order and the need for a new, divine provision. The verse also functions as a **catalyst**, setting in motion the first of Jesus' signs, which will reveal His glory and initiate belief among His disciples.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:3, though brief, is rich with theological implications, primarily highlighting the intersection of human need and divine provision. Mary's simple statement, "They have no wine," encapsulates humanity's inherent limitations and the recurring need for God's intervention in the mundane and the miraculous. It underscores the truth that Jesus is attentive to the practical concerns of human life, not just the overtly spiritual ones. The impending crisis also serves as a backdrop for Jesus to demonstrate His messianic power, foreshadowing His role as the one who brings true joy and abundance, replacing the inadequacy of human effort with divine grace. This act of bringing a common, everyday problem to Jesus establishes a pattern for believers: all concerns, great or small, can and should be laid before Him, trusting in His perfect timing and sovereign ability to provide.

* [Philippians 4:6](/philippians/4-6 "Philippians 4:6 - Do Not Be Anxious")
* [Matthew 6:31-33](/matthew/6-31-33 "Matthew 6:31-33 - Seek First the Kingdom of God")
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 2:3 offers a profound invitation for contemporary believers to emulate Mary's simple yet profound act of bringing a need to Jesus. In our own lives, we often face situations where we "have no wine"—moments of lack, embarrassment, anxiety, or insufficiency, whether in our resources, relationships, health, or spiritual vitality. This verse reminds us that Jesus cares about the practical, everyday details of our existence, not just our grand spiritual crises. Mary didn't offer a solution; she simply presented the problem to the one she knew could solve it. Our application is to cultivate a similar posture of humble dependence and trusting intercession, bringing all our concerns before the Lord, confident that He is both able and willing to intervene. His response may not always be what we expect, but it will always be perfect, manifesting His glory and deepening our faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wine" is running out in your life right now—what areas are experiencing lack, stress, or embarrassment?**
* **How does Mary's action encourage you to bring your everyday, practical needs to Jesus?**
* **In what ways have you experienced Jesus' provision in unexpected circumstances, demonstrating His care for the "mundane" details of your life?**
* **What does this verse teach you about the importance of trusting in Jesus' timing and method of intervention, even when they differ from your expectations?**

### FAQ

**Why was it such a big deal for the wine to run out at a wedding?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern culture, a wedding was a multi-day celebration of immense social and religious significance. Hospitality was a cornerstone of honor and reputation. Running out of wine, a symbol of joy and abundance, would have been a catastrophic social embarrassment for the host family. It would signify a profound failure in providing for their guests, bringing public shame and potentially damaging their standing in the community for years to come. It was not merely an inconvenience but a grave social faux pas that would reflect poorly on the entire family.

**Why did Mary tell Jesus, "They have no wine"? Was she asking Him to perform a miracle?**

Answer: Mary's statement, "They have no wine," is a concise and direct articulation of the problem, implicitly functioning as an appeal for help. While the text doesn't explicitly state she expected a miracle, her action suggests a deep trust in Jesus' ability to intervene. Given her unique relationship with Him and perhaps prior knowledge of His divine nature (from the annunciation, as recorded in [Luke 1:26-38](/luke/1-26-38 "Luke 1:26-38 - The Annunciation")), it's plausible she believed He possessed an extraordinary capacity to resolve the crisis. Her statement reflects a mother's concern for the hosts and a profound faith in her Son's power, even before His public ministry had fully begun.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 2:3, with its depiction of a wedding feast running out of wine, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate provision found in Jesus Christ. The "old wine" of the Jewish ceremonial law and the inadequate human efforts to achieve righteousness were insufficient to bring true joy and lasting communion with God. Just as the physical wine ran out, symbolizing the limitations of the old covenant, Jesus arrives to provide the "new wine" of the Gospel, an abundant and superior spiritual provision. He is the true host of the ultimate wedding feast, the Lamb's Supper, where there will be no lack ([Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")). His transformation of water into wine at Cana, initiated by the lack highlighted in [John 2:3](/john/2-3 "John 2:3 - The Wine Runs Out"), is a tangible sign of His ability to bring spiritual abundance, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and fulfilling the deepest human longings. This miracle points to the shedding of His own blood, the "new covenant in My blood" ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in His Blood")), which provides eternal life and joy, a spiritual wine that never runs dry.

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

Psalms 104:15

And wine [that] maketh glad the heart of man, [and] oil to make [his] face to shine, and bread [which] strengtheneth man's heart.

Philippians 4:6

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

Isaiah 24:11

[There is] a crying for wine in the streets; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.

John 11:3

Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.

Ecclesiastes 10:19

A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh merry: but money answereth all [things].

Matthew 26:28

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.