John 2:3
What does John 2:3 mean?
A plain-English look at John 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 2:3 means
The wine running out at a wedding feast would have been a significant social embarrassment and disruption to the festivities. Mary's direct appeal to Jesus, "They have no wine," suggests her expectation that He could and perhaps should do something about the situation. This implies a recognition of His unique power, perhaps stemming from her deep understanding of His divine nature, even if she didn't fully grasp the timing or manner of His public ministry. Her statement acts as a catalyst for Jesus' subsequent action.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the wine failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949When they had not enough wine, the mother of Jesus said to him, They have no wine.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and wine having failed, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, `Wine they have not;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the wine failing, the mother of Jesus saith to him: They have no wine.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And wine being deficient, the mother of Jesus says to him, They have no wine.
Context
This verse introduces the central problem of the wedding narrative—the lack of wine. This scarcity creates the opportune moment for Jesus to reveal His divine power. Mary's statement to Jesus is pivotal, bridging the scene of the wedding reception with Jesus' initial response and the unfolding miracle, and is crucial for understanding the mother-son dynamic at the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 104:15
And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, Andoil to make his face to shine, And bread that strengtheneth man’s heart.
- Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many unto remission of sins.
- Isaiah 24:11
There is a crying in the streets because of the wine; all joy is darkened, the mirth of the land is gone.
- Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is made for laughter, and wine maketh glad the life; and money answereth all things.
- Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
- John 11:3
The sisters therefore sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick.
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