John 2:4
What does John 2:4 mean?
A plain-English look at John 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 2:4 means
Jesus' response to His mother, "Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come," might sound harsh to modern ears, but "Woman" was a respectful address. His question emphasizes a shift in their relationship as He begins His public ministry; His ultimate allegiance is to His heavenly Father. The phrase "mine hour is not yet come" refers to the divinely appointed timing for His public manifestation of glory and ultimately, His suffering and death on the cross, indicating His awareness of His mission's precise timing.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to her, Woman, this is not your business; my time is still to come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to her, `What--to me and to thee, woman? not yet is mine hour come.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Jesus saith to her: Woman, what is that to me and to thee? My hour is not yet come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to her, What have I to do with thee, woman? mine hour has not yet come.
Context
This verse contains Jesus' initial, somewhat enigmatic reply to His mother's implicit request. His words directly address the tension between His human familial ties and His divine mission, establishing a boundary as He moves into His public ministry. This interaction provides essential context for understanding not only His next actions at the wedding but also His broader commitment to the Father's will and timing throughout His earthly life.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Samuel 16:10
And the king said, What have I to do with you, ye sons of Zeruiah? Because he curseth, and because Jehovah hath said unto him, Curse David; who then shall say, Wherefore hast thou done so?
- John 12:23
And Jesus answereth them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.
- John 19:26
When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold, thy son!
- John 8:20
These words spake he in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man took him; because his hour was not yet come.
- John 7:6
Jesus therefore saith unto them, My time is not yet come; but your time is always ready.
- John 7:30
They sought therefore to take him: and no man laid his hand on him, because his hour was not yet come.
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