John 2:11
This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Original Language Analysis
Ταύτην
G3778
Ταύτην
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
1 of 24
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐποίησεν
did
G4160
ἐποίησεν
did
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
2 of 24
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχὴν
beginning
G746
ἀρχὴν
beginning
Strong's:
G746
Word #:
4 of 24
(properly abstract) a commencement, or (concretely) chief (in various applications of order, time, place, or rank)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σημείων
of miracles
G4592
σημείων
of miracles
Strong's:
G4592
Word #:
6 of 24
an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 24
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
G1056
Γαλιλαίας
of Galilee
Strong's:
G1056
Word #:
12 of 24
galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐφανέρωσεν
manifested forth
G5319
ἐφανέρωσεν
manifested forth
Strong's:
G5319
Word #:
14 of 24
to render apparent (literally or figuratively)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δόξαν
glory
G1391
δόξαν
glory
Strong's:
G1391
Word #:
16 of 24
glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or subjective)
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
17 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
18 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
G4100
ἐπίστευσαν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
19 of 24
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
εἰς
on
G1519
εἰς
on
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
20 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
21 of 24
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
22 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
John 1:14And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.John 3:2The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.John 6:2And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased.Isaiah 40:5And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.John 6:14Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world.John 6:26Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled.John 6:30They said therefore unto him, What sign shewest thou then, that we may see, and believe thee? what dost thou work?Psalms 96:3Declare his glory among the heathen, his wonders among all people.1 John 5:13These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.John 12:41These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory, and spake of him.
Historical Context
This is the first of seven signs in John's Gospel (compare with seven 'I Am' statements). Ancient readers would recognize seven as the number of completeness, suggesting John presents comprehensive evidence of Christ's deity.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'signs' has Christ performed in your life that strengthen your faith?
- How does seeing Christ's glory transform belief from intellectual assent to heart commitment?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
John calls this the 'beginning of miracles', deliberately using 'semeion' (sign) rather than 'miracle'—each sign points beyond itself to Christ's identity. The manifestation of glory anticipates John 17:5's reference to pre-incarnate glory. The disciples' belief represents genuine saving faith, not mere amazement at wonders. This establishes a pattern: signs lead to belief, which brings life (John 20:31).