John2
English Standard Version
1 the there a in , the of .
2 was the .
3 the , the of , They .
4And to , , does have to do ? not .
5 to the , he .
6 there the rites of , .
7 to the , the with . they the .
8 he to , some out it to the of the feast. they it.
9 the of the the now , did it from ( the had the ), the of the feast the
10 to , the , people have freely, the wine. But have the .
11 , the of his , in , . .
12 he down , , they for a .
13 of the at , up .
14 the he those who were , the there.
15 a , he them of the , the . he out the of the their .
16 he those who the , these ; do a of .
17 it , for will .
18 the to , do you these ?
19 , , I will up.
20The , It has taken to , will up ?
21 he the of .
22 he was the , he had , they the the had .
23 he the , when they the was .
24 on his part did to , people
25 , himself .
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for John 2.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The miracle at Cana. (1–11). Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple. (12–22). Many believe in Christ. (23–25).
vv1-11
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in straits, even when we think ourselves in fulness. There was want at a marriage feast. Those who are come to care for the things of the world, must look for trouble, and count upon disappointment. In our addresses to Christ, we must humbly spread our case before him, and then refer ourselves to him to do as he pleases. In Christ's reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it is a standing testimony against the idolatry of after-ages, in giving undue honours to his mother. His hour is come when we know not what to do. Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer. Those that expect Christ's favours, must observe his orders with ready obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and Christ's methods must not be objected against. The beginning of Moses' miracles was turning water into blood, Ex 7:20; the beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water into wine; which may remind us of the difference between the law of Moses and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves creature-comforts to all true believers, and make them comforts indeed. And Christ's works are all for use. Has he turned thy water into wine, given thee knowledge and grace? it is to profit withal; therefore draw out now, and use it. It was the best wine. Christ's works commend themselves even to those who know not their Author. What was produced by miracles, always was the best in its kind. Though Christ hereby allows a right use of wine, he does not in the least do away his own caution, which is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with surfeiting and drunkenness, Lu 21:34. Though we need not scruple to feast with our friends on proper occasions, yet every social interview should be so conducted, that we might invite the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all levity, luxury, and excess offend him.
vv12-22
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ, having thus cleansed the temple, gave a sign to those who demanded it, to prove his authority for so doing. He foretells his death by the Jews' malice, Destroy ye this temple; I will permit you to destroy it. He foretells his resurrection by his own power; In three days I will raise it up. Christ took again his own life. Men mistake by understanding that according to the letter, which the Scripture speaks by way of figure. When Jesus was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered he has said this. It helps much in understanding the Divine word, to observe the fulfilling of the Scriptures.
vv23-25
Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, he tries the heart. Beware of a dead faith, or a formal profession: carnal, empty professors are not to be trusted, and however men impose on others or themselves, they cannot impose on the heart-searching God.
Key Words
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τρίτος (trítos): third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
ἡμέρα (hēméra): day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the Jews as inclusive of the parts of both extremes); figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context)
γίνομαι (gínomai): to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
γάμος (gámos): nuptials
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Κανᾶ (Kanâ): Cana, a place in Palestine
Γαλιλαία (Galilaía): Galilæa (i.e. the heathen circle), a region of Palestine
μήτηρ (mḗtēr): a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs): Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites
Cross References
John 2Directly quoted by the disciples to explain Jesus' passionate cleansing of the temple courts.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Demonstrates that the term 'Woman' was a respectful form of address, used again from the cross.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Echoes Christ's childhood boundary prioritizing His heavenly Father's business over earthly maternal authority.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Contrasts Moses' first miracle of turning water into blood (judgment) with Christ's turning water into wine (grace).
Supported by Matthew Henry
Shows how Christ's metaphorical prediction of His resurrection was twisted into a literal threat at His trial.
Supported by JFB
Fulfills the prophecy that there will no longer be traders in the house of the Lord.
Supported by JFB
Confirms that the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily in Christ, the ultimate temple.
Supported by JFB
Links Christ's complete knowledge of the human heart to the divine prerogative of searching minds.
Supported by Matthew Henry