John 2:1

Authorized King James Version

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And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

Original Language Analysis

καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 1 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 2 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡμέρᾳ day G2250
ἡμέρᾳ day
Strong's: G2250
Word #: 3 of 18
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
τῇ G3588
τῇ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τρίτῃ the third G5154
τρίτῃ the third
Strong's: G5154
Word #: 5 of 18
third; neuter (as noun) a third part, or (as adverb) a (or the) third time, thirdly
γάμος a marriage G1062
γάμος a marriage
Strong's: G1062
Word #: 6 of 18
nuptials
ἐγένετο there was G1096
ἐγένετο there was
Strong's: G1096
Word #: 7 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 8 of 18
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
Κανὰ Cana G2580
Κανὰ Cana
Strong's: G2580
Word #: 9 of 18
cana, a place in palestine
τῆς G3588
τῆς
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας of Galilee G1056
Γαλιλαίας of Galilee
Strong's: G1056
Word #: 11 of 18
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ And G2532
καὶ And
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 12 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἦν was G2258
ἦν was
Strong's: G2258
Word #: 13 of 18
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)
G3588
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ the mother G3384
μήτηρ the mother
Strong's: G3384
Word #: 15 of 18
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
τοῦ G3588
τοῦ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 16 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ of Jesus G2424
Ἰησοῦ of Jesus
Strong's: G2424
Word #: 17 of 18
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
ἐκεῖ· there G1563
ἐκεῖ· there
Strong's: G1563
Word #: 18 of 18
there; by extension, thither

Analysis & Commentary

The 'third day' may foreshadow Christ's resurrection, John's first use of symbolic timing. Cana's wedding represents the joy of salvation, with Mary's presence suggesting her trust in Jesus despite no previous public miracles. This first sign reveals Christ's glory by transforming the old covenant (water in purification jars) into the new (abundant wine), superior in quality and quantity—a preview of grace replacing law.

Historical Context

Cana was a small Galilean village near Nazareth. First-century Jewish weddings lasted a week, and running out of wine brought shame on the family. Water jars held 20-30 gallons each, showing the abundance of Christ's provision.

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