Bible Commentaries

The third day; after the events recorded in the last chapter.

Cana of Galilee; a town west of the sea of Galilee, a few miles north of Nazareth; so called to distinguish it from Cana, near Sidon.

Marriage is an ordinance of divine appointment, and a means of great usefulness and happiness. At weddings, the presence and blessing of Jesus Christ should always be sought, and every thing conducted in such a manner as will honor him, and promote the benefit of all concerned.

They have no wine; meaning, their supply of wine has failed; for they had wine at the beginning, verse John 2:10. The words seem to contain a tacit request that Jesus would now supply the deficiency.

Woman, what have I to do with thee? an intimation that he cannot allow her or any other person to direct in regard to the exercise of his divine power.

Mine hour; his time to furnish wine by a miracle, and thus show forth his glory.

Six water-pots of stone; it was the custom of the Jews to have such vessels for water, for purposes of purification.

Firkins; the Greek word rendered firkins is supposed to denote the same measure as the Hebrew word bath, containing about 8 7/8 gallons.

Governor of the feast; the person who had the general superintendence.

Every man; this is a statement of what was usual on such occasions. Thus the governor of the feast testified to the purity and excellence of the wine miraculously furnished by the Saviour.

Manifested forth his glory; showed his divine power, and thus proved himself to be the Messiah. It is never said in the Scriptures, that any mere creature ever wrought miracles to show forth his own glory. This statement, which is here made with regard to the Son of God, is peculiar to him, and is adapted to lead men to pay him divine honors. Chap John 5:23.

Capernaum; Matthew 4:13.

Found in the temple; this cleansing of the temple was early in our Lord’s ministry, and must not be confounded with that recorded in Matthew 21:12.

It was written; Psalms 69:9.

Hath eaten me up; I am full of consuming desire for the honor of thy house, and the purity of thy worship. The transactions recorded in the New Testament are in many cases a fulfilment of the declarations of the Old; and the more we become acquainted with each, and with the connection of one with the other, the more clear to our minds will be the evidence of the divine inspiration and value of both-that they have one Author, tend to form one character, and promote one great and benevolent end.

What sign showest thou; what miracle dost thou work in proof of thy authority to do these things?

This temple; meaning his body, verse John 2:21.

I will raise it up; Jesus Christ had power to raise his own dead body to life, and actually did raise it on the third day after his death, according to his prediction. Matthew 12:40; Romans 1:4.

Forty and six years; it was so many years since Herod the Great had commenced repairing, or, more properly, rebuilding the temple, sixteen years before the Saviour’s birth. During this period additions, more or less, had been from time to time made to it. To this temple they wrongly applied the Saviour’s words. The same misapplication of his words they made when they accused him before Pilate. Matthew 26:61; Mark 14:58.

The scripture; those passages which foretold his death and resurrection. Psalms 16:10-11; Acts 2:22-36.

Did not commit himself unto them; did not trust himself in their power.

He knew what was in man; he knew the hearts of men, and how, under circumstances, they would act. Of course he knew in all respects how to treat them. Jeremiah 17:10; Revelation 2:23; John 1:1. The perfect knowledge of Jesus Christ gives him the fullest acquaintance with human character, shows him how in all respects to treat men while on earth, and fits him righteously and wisely to award to all the retributions of eternity.