John 2:3
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὑστερήσαντος
when they wanted
G5302
ὑστερήσαντος
when they wanted
Strong's:
G5302
Word #:
2 of 13
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
the mother
G3384
μήτηρ
the mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
6 of 13
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
8 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
9 of 13
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 13
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
Historical Context
Wine was essential to Jewish celebrations, symbolizing joy and blessing. Psalm 104:15 speaks of wine that 'maketh glad the heart of man.' Running out was a significant social failure. Mary's role suggests she may have had some responsibility for the celebration, perhaps as relative of the families.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Mary's approach to Jesus teach about bringing our needs to Him in prayer?
- How does presenting problems without demanding specific solutions model trust in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Mary's statement—'They have no wine'—is not merely observation but implicit request. She believes Jesus can address this need, though He has not yet performed public miracles. Her faith anticipates His ability before demonstration. The wine shortage threatened the hosts' honor and the celebration itself. Mary brings a practical problem to Jesus, modeling prayer that presents needs without dictating solutions.