John 2:5

KJV

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

His {G846} mother {G3384} saith {G3004} unto the servants {G1249}, Whatsoever {G3748}{G302} he saith {G3004} unto you {G5213}, do {G4160} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

Berean Standard Bible

His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

American Standard Version

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:5 presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of the Wedding at Cana, capturing the profound trust and wisdom of Mary, the mother of Jesus, as she instructs the servants. Her simple yet powerful directive, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]," serves as a foundational principle for discipleship, highlighting the essential role of unquestioning obedience to Christ's commands in preparing the way for divine intervention and the manifestation of God's glory. This verse sets the stage for Jesus' first public "sign," underscoring His authority and the transformative power of His word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry in the Gospel of John, immediately preceding His first miraculous "sign" (John's term for miracles). The narrative opens with Jesus, His disciples, and His mother attending a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. The crisis of the wine running out (a significant social disgrace in ancient culture) prompts Mary to approach Jesus with the problem in [John 2:3](/john/2-3 "John 2:3 - The Wine Runs Out"). Jesus' initial response in [John 2:4](/john/2-4 "John 2:4 - Jesus' Response to Mary") ("Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.") might seem like a rebuke, but Mary's subsequent instruction to the servants in [John 2:5](/john/2-5 "John 2:5 - Mary's Instruction to the Servants") reveals her understanding that Jesus would indeed act. This exchange subtly highlights Jesus' divine autonomy while also showcasing Mary's deep faith and her role in facilitating the miracle that would follow, culminating in the manifestation of His glory in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Near Eastern culture were multi-day affairs, often lasting a week, and were central social events that brought honor to the families involved. The provision of ample wine was crucial for hospitality and celebration, symbolizing joy and abundance. Running out of wine would have brought immense shame and dishonor upon the hosts, a public embarrassment that could have lasting social repercussions. Mary's concern, therefore, was not merely for convenience but for the reputation and honor of the newly married couple and their families. Furthermore, the presence of large stone waterpots, typically used for Jewish purification rites as mentioned in [John 2:6](/john/2-6 "John 2:6 - The Waterpots for Purification"), adds a layer of cultural significance, setting the stage for Jesus to transform the elements of ritual purification into the elements of divine joy and new covenant blessing, hinting at a shift from old covenant practices to the new reality in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** John 2:5 introduces several profound themes that resonate throughout the Gospel of John and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **divine authority and sovereignty**, as Mary directs the servants to obey Jesus implicitly, recognizing His unique power and wisdom to resolve the crisis. Secondly, the verse highlights **unquestioning obedience** as a prerequisite for experiencing God's miraculous intervention; the servants' willingness to follow seemingly illogical instructions (filling waterpots with water when wine was needed) is key to the miracle. This theme of obedience is foundational to discipleship, echoing the importance of doing the will of the Father as taught by Jesus in [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Doing the Will of the Father"). Thirdly, Mary's actions exemplify **faith and trust**, demonstrating a mother's confident reliance on her son's divine capabilities, even before He has given any specific command. Her faith prepares the way for the manifestation of Jesus' glory, a recurring theme in John's Gospel, where signs reveal Jesus' true identity as the Son of God.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** This verb, G3004, means "to lay forth" or "relate in words," often implying systematic or set discourse. Here, it conveys Mary's authoritative and deliberate instruction. It's not a casual suggestion but a clear directive, indicating her expectation that Jesus' words will carry weight and demand action. This highlights the nature of divine communication—it is purposeful and requires a response.
* **servants (Greek, _diákonos'_):** G1249, meaning an attendant, waiter, or minister. In this context, these are household servants, likely slaves or hired laborers, whose duty was to obey the master of the house. Mary, by instructing them, places them under Jesus' authority, effectively making Him the "master" in this situation. The term foreshadows the broader concept of Christian "ministry" or "service" (deacon), emphasizing that all who serve Christ are called to a similar posture of obedience.
* **do (Greek, _poiéō'_):** G4160, a widely applicable verb meaning "to make or do." In this imperative form, it demands immediate and complete action. It's not merely to hear, but to perform, to execute fully. Mary's use of this word underscores the active nature of faith and obedience—it requires concrete action, not just passive assent. This word encapsulates the essence of the command: whatever Jesus says, it must be put into practice without hesitation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His mother saith unto the servants,"**: This opening clause establishes the speaker and the audience. Mary, as Jesus' mother, holds a position of some authority and respect within the household, allowing her to issue instructions to the servants. Her direct address indicates a clear, intentional communication, setting the stage for the crucial command that follows.
* **"Whatsoever he saith unto you,"**: This is the core of Mary's instruction, emphasizing the absolute and unqualified nature of the obedience required. The word "whatsoever" (Greek: _hóstis án_) conveys a sense of comprehensive inclusiveness—no matter what Jesus says, regardless of how unusual or illogical it may seem, it is to be followed. This phrase shifts the authority entirely to Jesus, signaling that His words are paramount.
* **"do [it]."**: This is the imperative command, demanding immediate and complete action. The Greek verb _poiéō_ in the aorist active imperative ("do!") conveys urgency and finality. It's not a suggestion but a firm directive to execute whatever Jesus commands without question or delay. This simple command becomes the catalyst for the miracle, demonstrating that human obedience is often the channel through which divine power flows.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:5 employs several significant literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is evident as Mary's instruction anticipates Jesus' divine authority and the miraculous power He is about to display. Her words, "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]," serve as a prophetic utterance, setting a pattern for discipleship throughout the Gospel—that obedience to Jesus' word leads to the manifestation of God's glory. There is also a subtle **Irony** in the simplicity of Mary's command leading to such a profound miracle; the ordinary act of obedience by humble servants unlocks an extraordinary divine act. Furthermore, the entire Cana narrative, initiated by this verse, functions as a **Sign** (as John explicitly calls it in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus' First Sign")), revealing Jesus' glory and inviting faith. Mary's words are a microcosm of the larger theological truth that human obedience is the conduit for divine revelation and transformation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:5 is a profound theological statement on the nature of discipleship and divine authority. Mary's instruction to the servants epitomizes the ideal response to Christ: complete, unquestioning obedience. It underscores the principle that God often works through human cooperation, and our willingness to follow His directives, no matter how simple or seemingly illogical, is crucial for experiencing His power and provision. This verse highlights Jesus' inherent authority, even before His public ministry fully unfolds, positioning Him as the ultimate source of wisdom and command. It teaches us that faith is not merely belief but active trust demonstrated through obedience, preparing us to receive the extraordinary from the ordinary.

* [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience")
* [Luke 11:28](/luke/11-28 "Luke 11:28 - Blessed are those who hear and obey")
* [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "James 1:22 - Be Doers of the Word")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Mary's directive in John 2:5 offers a timeless and profoundly practical lesson for every believer. In a world that often values logic, self-reliance, and immediate gratification, Mary's simple command calls us back to the foundational principle of humble, unquestioning obedience to Christ. It reminds us that our role is not to understand every detail of God's plan before we act, but to simply do "whatsoever He says." This means diligently studying His Word, listening for the Holy Spirit's promptings, and being prepared to step out in faith, even when the path ahead seems unclear or the instruction seems unconventional. Just as the servants' obedience turned water into wine, our obedience can unlock divine solutions, transform our circumstances, and bring glory to God. This verse encourages us to cultivate a heart that trusts God's wisdom above our own and is ready to respond with immediate action to His voice, knowing that He is capable of far more than we can imagine.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently struggling to obey God's clear instructions, perhaps because they seem illogical or difficult?**
* **How might a posture of "whatsoever He saith unto you, do it" transform your approach to challenges or uncertainties you face?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to cultivate a more immediate and unquestioning obedience to Christ's teachings?**

### FAQ

**Why did Mary specifically tell the servants to obey Jesus, especially after His seemingly distant response in John 2:4?**

Answer: Mary's instruction to the servants reveals her profound faith and intuitive understanding of her son's divine nature and mission. Despite Jesus' initial response ("Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come"), Mary did not interpret it as a refusal but perhaps as a statement about His divine timing or a gentle reassertion of His autonomy from earthly family ties in His ministry. Her immediate follow-up command to the servants demonstrates her unwavering confidence that Jesus would indeed act, and that His words, when given, would be authoritative and effective. She understood that while His "hour" for ultimate glorification had not yet come, His power was always available. She was essentially preparing the way for the miracle, knowing that Jesus would provide a solution.

**What is the significance of "obedience" in this passage for Christian discipleship?**

Answer: The call to obedience in [John 2:5](/john/2-5 "John 2:5 - Mary's Call to Obedience") is foundational for Christian discipleship. It illustrates that true faith is active, not passive. The servants' willingness to obey Jesus' instructions, even when they seemed strange (filling waterpots with water when wine was needed), was essential for the miracle to occur. This teaches believers that our role is to listen to and act upon Christ's commands, regardless of how simple or unconventional they may appear. Obedience is the channel through which God's power often flows, transforming ordinary situations into extraordinary manifestations of His glory. It underscores the truth that doing God's will is paramount, as Jesus Himself taught in [Matthew 7:21](/matthew/7-21 "Matthew 7:21 - Not Everyone Who Says 'Lord, Lord'").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 2:5, with Mary's directive to "Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it]," finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not merely one who gives commands, but the very Word of God incarnate, the one whose every word carries divine authority and creative power. The miracle at Cana, initiated by this call to obedience, foreshadows the greater transformation Jesus brings: turning the "water" of human inadequacy and the old covenant's limitations into the "wine" of abundant new life and grace. Jesus Himself perfectly embodied this principle of obedience, for He came not to do His own will but the will of the Father who sent Him, even to the point of death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). His obedience secures our salvation, and His commands, unlike the law that could not give life ([John 1:17](/john/1-17 "John 1:17 - Grace and Truth Came Through Jesus Christ")), are living words that bring freedom, healing, and transformation. Thus, Mary's instruction to obey Jesus points us to the One whose obedience makes our own possible, and whose words, when followed, lead us into the fullness of God's kingdom and the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - The Abundant Life")). He is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), and by His ultimate act of obedience, He invites us into a life defined by joyful submission to His loving lordship.

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

Genesis 6:22

¶ Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.

John 15:14

Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

Hebrews 11:8

By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.

Luke 5:5

And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.

Luke 5:6

And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake.

Hebrews 5:9

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;

Luke 6:46

And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?