John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
Original Language Analysis
λέγῃ
he saith
G3004
λέγῃ
he saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 12
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 #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μήτηρ
mother
G3384
μήτηρ
mother
Strong's:
G3384
Word #:
3 of 12
a "mother" (literally or figuratively, immediate or remote)
αὐτοῦ
His
G846
αὐτοῦ
His
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 12
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
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διακόνοις
unto the servants
G1249
διακόνοις
unto the servants
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
6 of 12
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
Ὅ
G3739
Ὅ
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
7 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
Cross References
John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Genesis 6:22Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.Hebrews 11:8By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.Hebrews 5:9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;Acts 9:6And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.Judges 13:14She may not eat of any thing that cometh of the vine, neither let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing: all that I commanded her let her observe.
Historical Context
Mary had treasured prophetic words about Jesus for thirty years (Luke 2:19, 51). Her confidence in Him despite no previous public miracles reflects deep faith. Her words echo Joseph's servants' instructions in Egypt (Genesis 41:55), establishing a new exodus pattern where Jesus provides what is needed.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Mary's instruction capture the essence of Christian discipleship?
- What areas of your life need the simple obedience Mary commends?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Mary's instruction to the servants—'Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it'—expresses complete trust despite Jesus' initial response. This is her last recorded statement in the Gospels, and it perfectly summarizes the proper response to Christ: unconditional obedience. She doesn't know what He will do but trusts He will act appropriately. This becomes a paradigm for discipleship: hear and obey, regardless of understanding.