Devine Scripture

John 2:1

What does John 2:1 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:1 means

This verse sets the scene for Jesus' first public miracle. The mention of "the third day" likely refers to the third day after Jesus called Philip and Nathanael in the previous chapter, indicating a swift transition into His active ministry. The presence of Jesus' mother at this wedding in Cana suggests a familiar connection to the family, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of this initial event. It underscores that Jesus' divine work often begins within the normal, everyday experiences of human life.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

On the third day two people were going to be married at Cana in Galilee. The mother of Jesus was there:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And the third day a marriage happened in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the third day, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee: and the mother of Jesus was there.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And on the third day a marriage took place in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

Context

This verse initiates a new narrative segment in John's Gospel, following the calling of the first disciples in Chapter 1. It immediately places Jesus in a social setting, a wedding, which is significant because it provides the backdrop for His first public manifestation of divine power. This personal, relational context contrasts sharply with the broader, more confrontational setting of the Temple cleansing that follows later in the chapter.

v.1This passage

v.2and Jesus also was bidden, and his disciples, to the marriage.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • John 1:43

    On the morrow he was minded to go forth into Galilee, and he findeth Philip: and Jesus saith unto him, Follow me.

  • John 1:29

    On the morrow he seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold, the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sin of the world!

  • Genesis 2:18

    And Jehovah God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help meet for him.

  • John 4:46

    He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

  • Proverbs 31:10

    A worthy woman who can find? For her price is far above rubies.

  • Matthew 12:46

    While he was yet speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, seeking to speak to him.

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