John 2:4

KJV

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

KJV (with Strong's)

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto her {G846}, Woman {G1135}, what {G5101} have I {G1698} to do with {G2532} thee {G4671}? mine {G3450} hour {G5610} is {G2240} not yet {G3768} come {G2240}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yeshua replied, “Mother, why should that concern me? — or you? My time hasn’t come yet.”

Berean Standard Bible

“Woman, why does this concern us?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.”

American Standard Version

And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:4 captures Jesus's pivotal response to His mother, Mary, at the Wedding at Cana, where He asserts His divine autonomy and adherence to God's perfect timing rather than human prompting. This declaration, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," marks a significant transition from His private life to the commencement of His public ministry, signaling that His actions are governed by a divine schedule culminating in His ultimate glorification.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very beginning of Jesus's public ministry, immediately following the calling of His first disciples in [John 1](/john/1 "John 1 - The Prologue and Calling of Disciples"). The narrative transitions to the Wedding at Cana in [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - The Wedding at Cana"). Mary, observing the embarrassing shortage of wine, subtly prompts Jesus to act, perhaps expecting a miraculous intervention based on her unique understanding of His divine nature. Jesus's reply in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus's Response to Mary") sets the stage for His first public "sign" (σημεῖον, _sēmeion_), the turning of water into wine, which is not merely a display of power but a revelatory act pointing to His glory and identity as the Son of God. The entire Cana narrative serves as an inaugural event, demonstrating Jesus's authority and initiating His public works.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Jewish culture were multi-day celebrations, and running out of wine would have brought immense shame and social disgrace upon the host family. Mary's concern, therefore, was not merely for convenience but for the family's honor. Her appeal to Jesus reflects a common expectation for family members to alleviate such crises. Jesus's address, "Woman" (γύναι, _gynai_), while sounding abrupt in modern English, was a respectful, albeit formal, term of address for a woman, even a mother, in that cultural context. It did not imply disrespect but rather a shift in the nature of their relationship from familial to one governed by His divine mission. The idiom "What have I to do with thee?" (τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, _ti emoi kai soi_) was a common Semitic expression, not necessarily a rebuke, but a declaration of distinct purpose or a disavowal of common interest, here signaling that Jesus's actions would not be dictated by human expectations or familial ties but by divine will.

* **Key Themes:** [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus's Response to Mary") is rich with themes central to John's Gospel. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Timing and Sovereignty**, encapsulated in Jesus's declaration, "mine hour is not yet come." This "hour" (ἡ ὥρα, _hē hōra_) is a recurring motif in John, consistently referring to the climactic moment of Jesus's crucifixion, resurrection, and glorification (e.g., [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - His Hour Not Yet Come"), [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come"), [John 13:1](/john/13-1 "John 13:1 - Jesus's Hour to Depart")). This emphasizes that Jesus's entire ministry, including His miracles, unfolds according to God's predetermined plan. Another key theme is **Jesus's Authority and Independence**, as He asserts His autonomy from human influence, even that of His mother, in fulfilling His Father's will. This moment marks the **Transition to Public Ministry**, where Jesus begins to reveal His glory through "signs" that invite belief, foreshadowing the greater revelation of His identity and purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Woman (Greek, _gynḗ'_):** G1135. This term, while translated as "Woman," was a common and respectful form of address in the ancient world, not implying disrespect or harshness. Jesus uses it for Mary again at the cross in [John 19:26](/john/19-26 "John 19:26 - Jesus Addresses Mary from the Cross"), and for other women throughout the Gospels (e.g., the Samaritan woman in [John 4:21](/john/4-21 "John 4:21 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Its use here signifies a shift in the relationship from a purely familial one to one governed by Jesus's divine mission and authority.
* **What (Greek, _tís'_):** G5101. This interrogative pronoun is part of the idiomatic expression "What have I to do with thee?" (τί ἐμοὶ καὶ σοί, _ti emoi kai soi_). This phrase, literally "What to me and to you?", is a Semitic idiom used to express a lack of common interest or a distinct purpose. It indicates that Jesus's actions are no longer dictated by Mary's maternal authority or human expectations, but by His unique divine agenda. It asserts a boundary, not a rejection, between His divine mission and any earthly influence.
* **hour (Greek, _hṓra'_):** G5610. This word, "hour," is profoundly significant in John's Gospel. In the context of Jesus's ministry, "My hour" (ἡ ὥρα μου, _hē hōra mou_) consistently refers to the appointed time for His ultimate glorification, which encompasses His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. By stating "mine hour is not yet come," Jesus emphasizes that His actions are precisely timed according to God's sovereign plan, not human urgency. This concept underscores the divine control over His life and mission, culminating in the cross.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith unto her":** This introduces Jesus's direct response to Mary's implicit request, setting the stage for a significant declaration. It highlights Jesus's initiative in defining the terms of His engagement.
* **"Woman":** As discussed in Key Word Analysis, this is a respectful but formal address, signaling a shift in the nature of their interaction from a purely familial one to one where Jesus operates under divine authority, independent of earthly ties.
* **"what have I to do with thee?":** This idiomatic expression asserts a distinction of purpose. It communicates that Jesus's actions are not to be dictated by Mary's maternal influence or human expectations, but by His Father's will. It's a declaration of His divine independence in His ministry.
* **"mine hour is not yet come.":** This is the crucial theological statement. "My hour" refers to the divinely appointed time for Jesus's ultimate glorification through His death and resurrection. His statement indicates that while He will perform miracles, they will be according to God's sovereign timetable, not human prompting, and that the ultimate, climactic revelation of His glory is still in the future.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:4 employs several potent literary devices. **Irony** is present in Mary's implicit request and Jesus's response. While Mary expects a solution to a social problem, Jesus's reply elevates the situation to a theological plane, asserting His divine timing and mission. The immediate miracle that follows, despite His "hour" not yet coming, adds another layer of irony, as it demonstrates His power while simultaneously pointing to a greater, future manifestation of His glory. **Symbolism** is central, particularly with the word "hour." The "hour" symbolizes the climax of Jesus's redemptive work, encompassing His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension, which is the ultimate revelation of His glory. The wine itself, though not directly in this verse, will become a symbol of the new covenant and the abundance of God's grace in the subsequent miracle. The dialogue also serves as **Foreshadowing**, hinting at the divine plan that governs Jesus's entire ministry and His ultimate purpose, which will culminate in His "hour."

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:4 profoundly illustrates the sovereignty of God and Jesus's absolute submission to His Father's divine timetable. It establishes that Jesus's ministry is not a series of spontaneous reactions to human needs or requests, but a deliberate unfolding of a preordained plan. This verse underscores Jesus's unique identity as the Son of God, whose authority transcends earthly relationships and whose actions are always aligned with the Father's will. It challenges the notion that God operates on our schedule, instead affirming that His wisdom dictates the perfect moment for every divine intervention and revelation. The "hour" motif, introduced here, becomes a theological anchor throughout John's Gospel, pointing to the cross as the ultimate expression of God's love and Jesus's glory.

* [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus's Timing") – Jesus tells His brothers, "My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready." This reiterates His adherence to a divine schedule distinct from human urgency.
* [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come") – Jesus declares, "The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified." This marks the beginning of the fulfillment of the "hour" first mentioned in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus's Response to Mary").
* [Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple") – Jesus, as a boy, tells His parents, "Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?" This early statement foreshadows His lifelong commitment to His divine mission above familial ties, echoing the sentiment in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus's Response to Mary").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 2:4 serves as a profound reminder that God operates according to His own perfect timing, not ours. In a world that often demands instant gratification and immediate solutions, Jesus's response to Mary calls us to cultivate patience and trust in divine providence. Just as Jesus awaited His appointed "hour" for the ultimate display of His glory, we are invited to surrender our anxieties about timing and outcomes, believing that God's plans for our lives will unfold precisely when and how He intends. This verse also challenges us to examine our own priorities: are we primarily driven by human expectations and earthly concerns, or are we, like Jesus, ultimately committed to fulfilling God's will, even when it means asserting a divine boundary in our relationships or circumstances? It encourages us to align our desires with God's sovereign timetable, understanding that true wisdom lies in waiting on the Lord and recognizing that His glory is revealed in His way, in His time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Jesus's response in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus's Response to Mary") challenge my own expectations about God's timing in my life?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to rush God's plan, rather than patiently waiting for His "hour"?**
* **How can I better prioritize God's will and mission above human expectations or personal convenience, as Jesus did?**
* **What does Jesus's gentle but firm assertion of divine authority teach me about His identity and my relationship with Him?**

### FAQ
**Was Jesus being disrespectful to His mother by calling her "Woman"?**

Answer: No, in the ancient Near Eastern and Greco-Roman cultural context, the term "Woman" (γύναι, _gynai_) was a respectful, though formal, term of address. It was not demeaning or rude. Jesus used this same term for Mary again from the cross in [John 19:26](/john/19-26 "John 19:26 - Jesus Addresses Mary from the Cross") and for other women in the Gospels (e.g., the Samaritan woman in [John 4:21](/john/4-21 "John 4:21 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). Its use here signifies a shift in the nature of their relationship from purely familial to one where Jesus's actions are governed by His divine mission, independent of maternal influence.

**What does Jesus mean by "mine hour is not yet come"?**

Answer: In John's Gospel, "the hour" (ἡ ὥρα, _hē hōra_) is a significant theological term that consistently refers to the divinely appointed time for Jesus's ultimate glorification, which encompasses His crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension. By stating that His "hour" had not yet come, Jesus was emphasizing that His actions were precisely timed according to God's sovereign plan, not human urgency or expectations. While He would perform the miracle at Cana, the full, climactic revelation of His glory and the completion of His redemptive work were still in the future, awaiting God's perfect timing. This theme is revisited throughout John's Gospel, for instance in [John 7:30](/john/7-30 "John 7:30 - His Hour Not Yet Come") and [John 12:23](/john/12-23 "John 12:23 - The Hour Has Come").

**Why did Mary ask Jesus to intervene if His "hour" hadn't come?**

Answer: Mary's request likely stemmed from a combination of maternal concern for the host family's social embarrassment and an implicit understanding of Jesus's unique power, perhaps recalling the miraculous circumstances of His birth (see [Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Annunciation")). While she may have anticipated a solution to the wine shortage, her understanding of Jesus's "hour" and divine mission was likely incomplete at this stage. Her faith, however, was evident, as she instructed the servants, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it" ([John 2:5](/john/2-5 "John 2:5 - Mary's Instruction to Servants")). Jesus's response clarifies that His actions are not driven by human requests but by divine timing, yet He still acts, demonstrating His compassion and initiating His public ministry through His first sign.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 2:4, with Jesus's declaration "mine hour is not yet come," is profoundly Christ-centered, even in its apparent delay. While the immediate context is the first of Jesus's signs, turning water into wine, the "hour" he speaks of ultimately points to the cross, resurrection, and ascension—the climactic events of His redemptive work. This verse foreshadows that Jesus's life and ministry are not random acts of power but a meticulously orchestrated divine plan culminating in His glorious sacrifice. The wine at Cana, though a temporal blessing, prefigures the "new wine" of the New Covenant, established through His blood shed at His "hour" (see [Matthew 26:28](/matthew/26-28 "Matthew 26:28 - Blood of the New Covenant")). Jesus's assertion of divine timing underscores His complete obedience to the Father's will, a submission that would lead Him to willingly lay down His life at the appointed time ([John 10:18](/john/10-18 "John 10:18 - Jesus Lays Down His Life")). Thus, even in this early exchange, Jesus is revealed as the sovereign Son, whose entire existence is oriented towards fulfilling the Father's ultimate plan of salvation, culminating in His "hour" of glorification, which opens the way for all who believe to experience the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life")).

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 7:6

Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.

John 13:1

¶ Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.

John 8:20

These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.

John 7:30

Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.

John 12:23

And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

John 19:26

When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son!