John 2 - KJV Study Bible

2:1. According to Jewish marriage customs, the betrothal lasted about a year. In the evening, the bride was led to the bridegroom’s home for the ceremony, which was followed by a supper. The festivities often lasted more than a day. Jesus’ mother, Mary, may have been responsible for the arrangements. (See also v. 5.) Her name never appears in John’s gospel; she is merely referred to as the mother of Jesus. Cana is only about seven miles north of Nazareth. Jesus attended the wedding, blessing the festive and joyful occasion. Some of His disciples also attended—Andrew, Simon, Philip, Nathanael, and John. His presence at such legitimate functions prompted the Pharisees to call Jesus a “winebibber.”

2:4. The term woman in Greek (gunē) is one of respect (cf. 19:26). Mine hour is not yet come (cf. 7:8, 30; 8:20; 17:1) refers to His crucifixion hour, His greatest concern. It was not yet time for Him to reveal His messiahship (cf. 8:20).

2:6. Waterpots were normally used for washing feet. Firkins were about nine gallons, so each pot held 18 to 27 gallons (total capacity: 108 to 162 gallons).

2:9. Much has been written about the wine Jesus created. Oinos is the New Testament word for the fruit of the vine, but it implies nothing concerning fermentation. Whatever Jesus re-creates (water) is better than it was and better than man can make it (fermented wine).

2:11. Jesus’ miracles always had a purpose. This miracle resulted in the manifestation of His glory (cf. 1:14), and in His disciples’ belief in Him (cf. 20:31).

2:14. Changers of money: Pilgrims to Jerusalem carried all sorts of currencies, but they brought no animals for sacrifices. Exchanges and purchases could be made at the temple.

2:15. Drove them all out: The synoptic Gospels report that Jesus cleansed the temple, but only during the last week before the Crucifixion (Matt. 21:12–27; Mark 11:15–33; Luke 19:45—20:8). John alone describes such a cleansing early in Christ’s ministry.

2:23–25. Many believed in Jesus when they witnessed His miracles, but Jesus did not entrust His fate to their hands, for He knew what was in man. The same word, pisteuō (“believe,” or “commit”), is used in verses 23 and 24. Jesus knew men’s hearts. This is illustrated by His subsequent interviews with Nicodemus, the woman at the well, and the nobleman.