John 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

So {G3767} Jesus {G2424} came {G2064} again {G3825} into {G1519} Cana {G2580} of Galilee {G1056}, where {G3699} he made {G4160} the water {G5204} wine {G3631}. And {G2532} there was {G2258} a certain {G5100} nobleman {G937}, whose {G3739} son {G5207} was sick {G770} at {G1722} Capernaum {G2584}.

He went again to Kanah in the Galil, where he had turned the water into wine. An officer in the royal service was there; his son was ill in K’far-Nachum.

So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum.

He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

Commentary

John 4:46 sets the stage for Jesus' second recorded miracle or "sign" in the Gospel of John, following His significant ministry in Samaria.

Context

After His transformative encounter with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well and a brief, impactful ministry in Sychar (John 4:4-42), Jesus returns to Galilee. The verse specifically mentions Cana, a significant location because it was where Jesus performed His first public miracle, turning water into wine. This return underscores the beginning of His Galilean ministry phase. Here, He is approached by a "certain nobleman" from Capernaum, a city that would later become a hub for much of Jesus' ministry, highlighting the reach of His fame even at this early stage.

Key Themes

  • Jesus' Authority and Presence: His return to Cana signifies His continued work in Galilee, demonstrating His divine authority and availability to those in need.
  • Geographical Significance: The mention of Cana and Capernaum connects this event to other critical locations in Jesus' ministry. Capernaum, though not Jesus' birthplace, became His primary base of operations in Galilee (Matthew 4:13).
  • Introduction of Faith: The nobleman's desperate plea for his sick son introduces the theme of faith, which will be central to the subsequent healing narrative (John 4:50). This man, despite his high status, humbles himself to seek help from Jesus.

Linguistic Insights

The term "nobleman" is translated from the Greek word basilikos (βασιλικός). This word can mean "royal official" or "king's man," suggesting someone connected to the king's court, likely Herod Antipas, the tetrarch of Galilee. This detail is significant because it highlights that Jesus' influence was reaching beyond common people to those of high social standing, emphasizing the universal appeal and power of His message and miracles.

Practical Application

John 4:46 reminds us that Jesus is accessible to everyone, regardless of their social status, background, or past. The nobleman's urgent need for his son's healing demonstrates a parent's deep love and desperation, a feeling many can relate to. It sets the stage for a powerful display of faith where an individual places all hope in Christ, illustrating that faith is essential for receiving God's blessings and witnessing His power in our lives, even when circumstances seem dire.

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Cross-References

  • John 2:1

    ¶ And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

  • John 2:11

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

  • Psalms 50:15

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Luke 8:42

    For he had one only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay a dying. But as he went the people thronged him.

  • Luke 7:2

    And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear unto him, was sick, and ready to die.

  • Hosea 5:15

    I will go [and] return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.

  • Matthew 9:18

    ¶ While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live.
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