John 2:12
After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
Original Language Analysis
Μετὰ
After
G3326
Μετὰ
After
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
1 of 24
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 24
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Καπερναούμ,
Capernaum
G2584
Καπερναούμ,
Capernaum
Strong's:
G2584
Word #:
5 of 24
capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 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 #:
7 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
9 of 24
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 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 #:
11 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
13 of 24
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 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 #:
15 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 24
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτοῦ
he
G846
αὐτοῦ
he
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
18 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 #:
19 of 24
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἔμειναν
they continued
G3306
ἔμειναν
they continued
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
21 of 24
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
Cross References
Matthew 12:46While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.1 Corinthians 9:5Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?Matthew 4:13And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
Historical Context
Capernaum, on Galilee's northwestern shore, was a fishing town and trade center. Peter's house there became Jesus' base (Mark 2:1). The town would later be condemned for its unbelief despite witnessing many miracles (Matthew 11:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' relationship with His unbelieving brothers encourage us regarding unbelieving family members?
- What does Jesus' choice of Capernaum as His base teach about strategic ministry placement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
After the wedding, Jesus goes to Capernaum with His mother, brothers, and disciples. This brief note shows Jesus' humanity—He had family relationships and followed normal travel patterns. Capernaum becomes His ministry base in Galilee. The mention of brothers who would later disbelieve (John 7:5) reminds us that even Christ's immediate family initially struggled with His identity. Family connection doesn't guarantee spiritual understanding.