Κανᾶ

Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word Kanâ, represented by G2580, refers to Cana, a place in Palestine. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. All occurrences specify it as "Cana of Galilee," linking it directly to the region where Jesus began his ministry.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2580 is the setting for Jesus' first public miracle. It is introduced as the location of a marriage G1062 that Jesus, his mother, and his disciples attended John 2:1. Jesus came to Cana G2580 again, where he was met by a nobleman whose son was sick in Capernaum John 4:46. The location is also identified as the hometown of the disciple Nathanael John 21:2.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words provide context for the events in Cana:

• G1056 Galilaía (Galilee): This word specifies the region where Cana is located, consistently referred to as "Cana of Galilee" John 2:11.
• G1062 gámos (marriage): This term sets the scene for Jesus' first miracle, which took place at a marriage in Cana John 2:1.
• G4592 sēmeîon (miracle, sign): This word describes the nature of the event in Cana, which was the beginning of the miracles Jesus performed to manifest his glory John 2:11.
• G3482 Nathanaḗl (Nathanael): This disciple is identified as being from Cana in Galilee, connecting the place to Jesus' chosen followers John 21:2.

Theological Significance

The significance of G2580 is tied directly to the foundational events of Jesus' ministry:

• Site of the First Miracle: Cana is the location where Jesus turned water G5204 into wine G3631, marking his first public miracle John 4:46.
• Manifestation of Glory: This beginning of miracles G4592 in Cana served to manifested forth G5319 the glory G1391 of Jesus.
• Foundation of Belief: As a direct result of the miracle at Cana, his disciples G3101 believed G4100 on him John 2:11.
• Point of Return: Jesus returned to Cana, making it a reference point for his ministry in Galilee and the place from which he healed a nobleman's son John 4:46.

Summary

In summary, G2580 Kanâ is more than a geographical location; it is the stage for the inauguration of Jesus' public ministry. It is remembered as the place where his divine glory was first revealed through a miracle, cementing the faith of his disciples John 2:11. The town's association with Nathanael further establishes its importance within the narrative of Jesus and his followers John 21:2.