John 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ὑστερήσαντος
when they wanted
to be later, i.e., (by implication) to be inferior; generally, to fall short (be deficient)
#3
Οἶνον
wine
"wine" (literally or figuratively)
#4
λέγει
saith
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
#5
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
μήτηρ
the mother
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
#7
τοῦ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
#9
πρὸς
unto
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,
#10
αὐτόν
him
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
#11
Οἶνον
wine
"wine" (literally or figuratively)
#12
οὐκ
no
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#13
ἔχουσιν
They have
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

Analysis

The divine love theme here intersects with God's covenantal faithfulness demonstrated throughout salvation history. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of progressive revelation from covenant love in the Old Testament to agape love in the New. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about hesed in the Old Testament and agape in the New Testament.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of divine love within the theological tradition of John Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics

People

Study Resources