John 2:4
Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῇ
unto her
G846
αὐτῇ
unto her
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 14
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 14
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
Τί
what
G5101
Τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
5 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
καὶ
to do with
G2532
καὶ
to do with
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
John 13:1Now before the feast of the passover, when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.John 8:20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come.John 7:6Then Jesus said unto them, My time is not yet come: but your time is alway ready.John 7:30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come.John 12:23And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.Ecclesiastes 3:1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?2 Samuel 16:10And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? so let him curse, because the LORD hath said unto him, Curse David. Who shall then say, Wherefore hast thou done so?2 Samuel 19:22And David said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah, that ye should this day be adversaries unto me? shall there any man be put to death this day in Israel? for do not I know that I am this day king over Israel?
Historical Context
The address 'Woman' appears again at the cross (John 19:26), forming an inclusio around John's Gospel. Jesus consistently prioritizes the Father's will above family expectations (Luke 2:49, Mark 3:33-35). His 'hour' is a recurring theme in John, pointing toward the crucifixion as the climax of His mission.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Jesus' response to Mary model proper subordination of even family relationships to God's will?
- What does 'My hour' teach about divine timing in our lives?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' response—'Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come'—establishes crucial theological boundaries. 'Woman' (gynai) is respectful but formal, creating appropriate distance. Jesus' earthly family relationships are subordinate to His divine mission. 'My hour' refers to His appointed time for manifesting glory fully—the cross. While He will act, He operates according to divine timing, not human pressure.