John 4:54

KJV

This [is] again the second miracle [that] Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5124} is again {G3825} the second {G1208} miracle {G4592} that Jesus {G2424} did {G4160}, when he was come out {G2064} of {G1537} Judaea {G2449} into {G1519} Galilee {G1056}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This was a second sign that Yeshua did; he did it after he had come from Y’hudah into the Galil.

Berean Standard Bible

This was now the second sign that Jesus performed after coming from Judea into Galilee.

American Standard Version

This is again the second sign that Jesus did, having come out of Judæa into Galilee.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 4:54 serves as a concluding summary statement to the narrative of Jesus' healing of the nobleman's son, explicitly identifying it as the second significant public "sign" Jesus performed after His return from Judea to Galilee. This verse underscores the purposeful progression of Jesus' early ministry, highlighting His divine authority demonstrated through supernatural acts and marking a key geographical transition in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the detailed account of Jesus' healing of the Capernaum nobleman's son (John 4:46-53). The narrative flow demonstrates Jesus' divine power operating at a distance, a unique aspect of this miracle. Prior to this, Jesus had concluded a significant period of ministry in Judea and Samaria, including His profound encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, which revealed His messianic identity and the nature of true worship ([John 4:7-26](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). The phrase "when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee" signals a geographical shift, marking Jesus' return to His home region after these earlier engagements. The explicit mention of "the second miracle" intentionally links this event back to the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first sign by turning water into wine ([John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - The Wedding at Cana")). This careful enumeration suggests a deliberate structure in John's Gospel, emphasizing a sequence of divine revelations.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Jesus' journey from Judea to Galilee was a common route for those traveling between the southern and northern regions of ancient Israel. Judea, particularly Jerusalem, was the religious and political heartland, often associated with the Jewish religious establishment. Galilee, by contrast, was a more diverse region, often referred to as "Galilee of the Gentiles" ([Matthew 4:15](/matthew/4-15 "Matthew 4:15 - Galilee of the Gentiles")) due to its mixed population of Jews and non-Jews. This geographical movement from Judea to Galilee signifies a shift in the primary locus of Jesus' early public ministry. Cana, where both the first and second signs occurred, was a small village in Galilee, underscoring the humble beginnings of Jesus' public demonstrations of power, often away from the religious centers of power. The act of healing a nobleman's son would have been significant, as noblemen were figures of influence and authority, and their faith (or lack thereof) could impact broader society.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. Firstly, it highlights **The Progression of Jesus' Ministry and Revelation**. John's Gospel is structured around a series of "signs" (miracles) that progressively reveal Jesus' identity as the Son of God and the Christ ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). By explicitly labeling this as the "second miracle," John emphasizes a deliberate, unfolding revelation of Jesus' divine power and authority. Secondly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Authority and Power over Creation and Disease**. Both the first sign (water to wine) and the second (healing at a distance) demonstrate Jesus' supernatural control, not merely as a wonder-worker, but as one possessing inherent divine power. These acts are not ends in themselves but serve as **"signs" (Greek: _sēmeion_)** pointing to His unique relationship with the Father and His messianic claims. Thirdly, the geographical transition from Judea to Galilee underscores the **Scope and Strategy of Jesus' Mission**, indicating His intention to minister broadly, beginning in His home region before His eventual return to Jerusalem for His ultimate sacrifice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **second (Greek, _deúteros_):** This word emphasizes the chronological order and sequence of Jesus' public "signs" as recorded by John. It highlights John's deliberate structuring of his narrative to demonstrate a progression in Jesus' revelation of Himself. The use of "second" suggests that these miracles are not random acts but purposeful demonstrations of divine power, building a cumulative case for Jesus' identity.
* **miracle (Greek, _sēmeîon_):** While often translated as "miracle," the Greek term _sēmeîon_ more accurately means "sign" or "indication." In John's Gospel, Jesus' supernatural acts are consistently presented not merely as astonishing feats, but as profound pointers to His true nature, purpose, and divine origin. They are evidence designed to elicit belief in Him as the Son of God and the Messiah. This term underscores the theological depth behind Jesus' actions, inviting the reader to look beyond the event itself to its deeper spiritual significance.
* **come out (Greek, _érchomai_ + _ek_):** The combination of _érchomai_ ("to come or go") and the preposition _ek_ ("from, out of") precisely describes Jesus' physical movement from one region to another. This phrase highlights a significant geographical transition in Jesus' ministry. His departure "out of Judaea" and arrival "into Galilee" marks a strategic shift in His early public work, moving from the religious and political center to a more diverse and perhaps receptive region, signaling the broader scope of His mission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This is again the second miracle":** This clause serves as a retrospective summary, explicitly identifying the preceding healing of the nobleman's son as the second in a series of significant divine acts. The word "again" (Greek: _pálin_) reinforces the idea of a return, specifically to Galilee where the first sign occurred, suggesting a continuation of His work in that region. The numerical designation highlights John's intentional theological framework, where signs are carefully enumerated to build a case for Jesus' identity.
* **"that Jesus did":** This simple yet profound phrase attributes the supernatural act directly to Jesus, emphasizing His inherent power and agency. It underscores that these "signs" are not random occurrences but deliberate demonstrations of His divine authority.
* **"when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee":** This final clause provides crucial geographical context, marking a significant transition in Jesus' early ministry. His movement from the more religiously conservative Judaea to the more diverse Galilee signals a shift in the primary locus of His public work, indicating the breadth of His mission and the unfolding of God's plan across different regions.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel employs several literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Narrative Summary**, where the verse concisely concludes the preceding detailed account of the healing, providing a reflective and interpretive statement for the reader. This summary also utilizes **Numerical Emphasis** by explicitly stating "the second miracle," drawing the reader's attention to the ordered progression of Jesus' signs, a key structural element in John's presentation of Jesus' identity. Furthermore, the precise mention of "out of Judaea into Galilee" functions as a **Geographical Marker**, signaling a significant transition in Jesus' ministry journey and highlighting the spatial unfolding of His redemptive work. This also subtly employs **Contrast** between the two regions, hinting at different contexts for Jesus' ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John's careful enumeration of Jesus' "signs" is central to his theological purpose: to demonstrate that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, so that readers might believe and have life in His name ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). The "second miracle" reinforces the cumulative evidence for Jesus' divine authority and His unique relationship with the Father. These acts are not mere displays of power but profound revelations of God's presence and redemptive activity in the person of Jesus. They underscore the theme of God's progressive self-disclosure, where each sign builds upon the last, deepening understanding and inviting faith. The geographical movement from Judea to Galilee also reflects the universal scope of Jesus' mission, not limited to one region or people group.

* [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The First Sign at Cana")
* [John 10:38](/john/10-38 "John 10:38 - Believe the Works")
* [Acts 2:22](/acts/2-22 "Acts 2:22 - Jesus, a Man Attested by God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 4:54, though brief, invites us to consider the intentionality and progression of God's work in our lives and in the world. Just as Jesus' miracles were carefully orchestrated "signs" designed to build faith, so too are the events and circumstances of our lives often part of a larger, divine tapestry. This verse encourages us to look beyond the immediate event to discern God's greater purposes and ongoing revelation. It reminds us that faith is often a journey of progressive understanding, built upon successive encounters with God's power and grace. We are called to observe, reflect, and respond to the "signs" of God's presence and activity, trusting that His work unfolds according to His perfect timing and sovereign plan. Our faith is not based on a single isolated event, but on a consistent pattern of divine faithfulness and power demonstrated throughout history and in our personal experience.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing the "progression" of Jesus' signs impact your understanding of His ministry and identity?**
* **In what ways do you see God revealing Himself progressively in your own life or in the world around you?**
* **What "signs" of God's presence or work are you currently being invited to observe and respond to with faith?**

### FAQ

**Why does John specifically call this the "second miracle" and emphasize the location?**

Answer: John's Gospel is highly theological and structured with purpose. By explicitly labeling this as the "second miracle" ([John 4:54](/john/4-54 "John 4:54 - The Second Sign")), John emphasizes a deliberate, sequential progression of Jesus' public "signs" (Greek: _sēmeîon_). These signs are not random acts but serve as cumulative evidence, pointing to Jesus' divine identity and messianic claims. The first sign, turning water into wine at Cana ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - The Wedding at Cana")), also occurred in Galilee. The mention of Jesus coming "out of Judaea into Galilee" highlights a significant geographical transition in His early ministry. It underscores that His work was not confined to Jerusalem or Judea but was expanding to other regions, particularly His home territory of Galilee, where He began to establish His public presence and demonstrate His power. This meticulous detail serves to reinforce the narrative structure and theological argument of the Gospel, inviting readers to observe the unfolding revelation of Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
John 4:54, by marking the "second miracle," points to Jesus as the one through whom God's new creation is progressively revealed. The "signs" Jesus performs are not merely wonders, but foretastes of the ultimate work of redemption He would accomplish. The healing of the nobleman's son, like the turning of water into wine, demonstrates Jesus' sovereign power over the natural world and human infirmity, foreshadowing His ultimate victory over sin and death. He is the true "sign" of God's presence, the embodiment of divine power and love, who came not to merely perform isolated acts but to usher in the Kingdom of God. His journey from Judea to Galilee symbolizes the expansive nature of His mission, reaching beyond the traditional religious centers to bring light and life to all who would believe, ultimately culminating in the universal invitation of the Gospel ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The ultimate "sign" of Jesus' identity and power is His resurrection ([John 2:18-22](/john/2-18-22 "John 2:18-22 - Destroy this Temple")), which validates all His preceding miracles and establishes Him as the Lord of life, offering eternal life to all who trust in Him ([John 11:25-26](/john/11-25-26 "John 11:25-26 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the 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 4:45

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

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.