John 2:11
What does John 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at John 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 2:11 means
This verse unequivocally states that the turning of water into wine was Jesus' "beginning of his signs," meaning His first public miracle. Through this act, He "manifested his glory," revealing His divine power and nature. The immediate result was that "his disciples believed on him," indicating that this sign served to strengthen and confirm their nascent faith in Him as the Messiah. This event marks a crucial moment in the early days of Jesus' ministry, establishing the pattern for His subsequent works.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee and let his glory be seen openly; and his disciples put their faith in him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862This beginning of the signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory, and his disciples believed in him;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890This beginning of signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
Context
This verse serves as a crucial theological summary and interpretation of the Cana wedding event. It explicitly labels the miracle as Jesus' first "sign," emphasizing its revelatory purpose. This statement transitions from the narrative details of the miracle to its foundational significance for Jesus' ministry and the faith of His disciples, concluding the first major section of John chapter 2 and preparing for Jesus' departure.
v.10and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now.
v.11This passage
v.12After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, andhisbrethren, and his disciples; and there they abode not many days.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- John 11:15
And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him.
- Deuteronomy 5:24
and ye said, Behold, Jehovah our God hath showed us his glory and his greatness, and we have heard his voice out of the midst of the fire: we have seen this day that God doth speak with man, and he liveth.
- 2 Corinthians 4:17
For our light affliction, which is for the moment, worketh for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory;
- John 14:13
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.
- John 12:41
These things said Isaiah, because he saw his glory; and he spake of him.
- Psalms 72:19
And blessed be his glorious name for ever; And let the whole earth be filled with his glory. Amen, and Amen.
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