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“This Jesus Did, in Cana of Galilee, as the First of His Miraculous Signs”
On the third day+ there took place in Cana of Galilee a wedding. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They’re out of wine.”
“What does this concern of yours have to do with me,+ dear woman?” Jesus asked her. “My time+ hasn’t come yet.”
His mother told the servants, “Do whatever it is he tells ᵖyou.” Now, located nearby were six stone water jars that the Jews used for their ceremonial washings,+ each one large enough to hold twenty to thirty gallons.+ “Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told the servants.+ So they filled them up to the top. Then he said to them, “Now draw some out and take it to the man in charge of the banquet.+” And they did so.
Well, when the man in charge of the banquet tasted the water that had become wine, not knowing where it had come from (the servants, of course, themselves knew—those who had drawn the water), he+ called the bridegroom over 10 and said to him, “In the case of most people,+ the fine wine is what they serve first; then, when the guests+ have had too much to drink, the cheaper. ˢYou, though, have held back the fine wine until now!”
11 This Jesus did, in Cana of Galilee, as the first of his miraculous signs; he displayed+ his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.
12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother and his brothers and his disciples. And in that town they stayed for a few days.
“Stop Turning My Father’s House into a House of Business and Trade!”
13 The time for the Jewish Passover Festival was very near, and so Jesus went up to Jerusalem.+ 14 He went into the temple courts and saw+ those who were selling oxen and sheep and doves+ for sacrifices, as well as the moneychangers sitting at their tables. 15 Making a whip out of cords, he drove out of the temple courts both the sheep and the oxen, all of them, and scattered the moneychangers’ coins, and overturned their tables. 16 He told those who were selling the doves,+ “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a house of business and trade!” 17 His disciples remembered that it was written: “Zeal for your house will consume me.”+
18 So the Jewish authorities+ asked him, “What sign can ˢyou show us to justify these actions of yours?”+
19 “Tear down this sanctuary,” replied Jesus, “and in three days I will raise it up again.”
20 “This sanctuary has been under construction for a good forty-six years!” said the Jewish authorities. “ˢYou, however, are going to raise it up in only three days?” 21 (Jesus,+ though, was speaking about a different temple, namely, his own body.+ 22 After he was raised from the dead, therefore, his disciples remembered that this he had said on a number of occasions. And so they believed the Scripture+ and what Jesus had said.+)
23 Now while Jesus+ was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many, many people put their faith in his name when they saw the miraculous signs he was doing. 24 Jesus, however, on his part, refused to entrust himself to them, because he knew what kind of person each of them was,+ 25 and didn’t need anyone to tell him about a person’s heart.+ Indeed, he himself knew each person’s thoughts and motives.+
+1:4Lit in him was life. ME (see translation and notes at Jn 5:26). Cf NLT, TEV. “Life” here doesn’t mean “alive,” but possessing the power to give life as the source of life. Trying to maintain some measure of consistency in translation here with Jn 5:26, so that the connection isn’t lost to English readers.+1:4Cf Ps 36:9.+1:5Cf Is 42:5-9; 49:1-6.+1:5Or did not overcome.+1:5Or comprehend. Cf 1 Co 2:8.+1:7Lit through him, or through it. ME. Cf NLT.+1:8Lit that man. Cf NET, NLT, TEV.+1:9Lit He was.+1:9Or The true light, which gives light to every human being, was coming into the world, or He was the true light that gives light to every human being coming into the world. Following the lead of the ISV in translation here. Cf Jn 6:14, 9:39, 11:27, 16:28.+1:11Or to his very own creation. Lit to his own things. ME (see NAC [Jn], 114; UBSHS [Jn], 18). Cf CJB, ISV, NCV, TEV.+1:13Lit who. Cf NET, NIV.+1:13For a discussion of the range of meaning possible with γεννάω ( gennaō), see notes at 1 Pt 1:3. Conception is primarily in view here, with the rest of the birth process also implied on some level. Cf also the translation and notes at Ga 4:21-30.+1:13Lit not of bloods. ME(I/F/H) (see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:13).+1:13Lit nor from the will/desire of the flesh. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 19). Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G (see FBT Chart). Cf NET.+1:13Or a husband’s decision.+1:14Lit The Word became flesh. ME (see translation and notes at Rm 8:3 and Php 2:6-8; FBT Chart, C, F, G, I, M, N). Translating “flesh” according to “Flesh” G, M (see FBT Chart).+1:14Cf, eg, Ex 40:34; Lv 16:2; Nu 9:15.+1:14Or unique, or only, or one-of-a-kind. For a brief discussion of the meaning of μονογενής ( monogenēs), see NET Bibles Notes, Jn 1:16. Cf ISV, NET. In Heb 11:17, the term is used of Isaac, who wasn’t Abraham’s only son, but his “unique” son in the sense that the covenant was to be confirmed with him and the promises to be fulfilled through his line (cf Gn 17:19, 21:12).+1:14Cf Jn 17:5.+1:14Lit full of grace and truth. ME (OTB) (see LALS, sv ἀλήθεια; Ibid, sv χάρις; NAC [Jn], 121; UBSHS [Jn], 22). Cf the LXX and the MT, eg, at Ge 24:27, 47:29; 2 Sa 2:6, 15:20; 2 Ch 32:1; Ne 9:33; Ps 26:3, 30:9, 35:6, 40:10, 54:5, 69:13, 88:11, 89:5, 92:2, 119:138.+1:15Lit and cried out, saying.+1:16Lit from his fullness. ME (see translation and notes at Eph 3:19; Col 2:9; BDAG, 829, sv 3.b.; NAC [Jn], 123; Robertson, Word Pictures, Jn 1:16; Vincent, Word Studies, 2:57). The UBSHS claims that here πλήρωμα ( plērōma) “is used in a nontechnical sense and refers back to the phrase grace and truth in verse 14” ( UBSHS [Jn], 25, italics original). I disagree. The reference in v 15 to the Son’s pre-existence in the preceding verse makes the “fullness of divine nature” interpretation just as plausible as a limited reference to “grace and truth” in v 14. True, this is only place where the term is used in John’s gospel. Still, this idea was clearly a part of the authoritative body of apostolic teaching that was passed on from church to church, and wasn’t just a part of Paul’s theology (cf 1 Co 11:2, 15:1-3; Ga 1:18, 2:6; Php 2:6-11; 2 Th 2:15; 1 Ti 3:16). “Steadfast love/grace” and “truth/faithfulness” are, of course, an important part of God’s nature, but “fullness” by definition isn’t limited to those aspects.+1:16Or blessing. Lit grace. ME (see L-N, 57.103, 88.66; translation and note at “faithfulness” in v 14 above). Cf NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:17Lit grace and truth. ME (see translation and note at v 14).+1:17Lit have become, or have been done. Cf UBSHS (Jn), 26. “Shown” is the verb typically used in English translations with these concepts in the OT (see, eg, most English translations at Ex 20:6 and Dt 5:10).+1:18Or The matchless/unique/only God. Following the NET in translation here. For a brief discussion of some of the textual and translational questions involved here, see NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:18.+1:18Lit who is at the bosom of the Father. ME(I/F) (see BDAG, 557, sv κόλπος 1; L-N, 34.18; NAC [Jn], 124). Cf NET.+1:19Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see BDAG, 478, sv Ἰουδαῖος, 2.e.β.; NAC [Jn], 126; NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:19; UBSHS [Jn], 29; translation and notes at Ac 9:22). Cf NCV, NET, NLT, TEV.+1:19Lit to ask, “Who are you?” Cf NIV.+1:20Lit and he openly acknowledged, and did not deny but openly acknowledged. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 30). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, TEV.+1:21Lit “What then?” ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NIV, NLT, TEV.+1:21Cf Ml 4:5.+1:21Lit he.+1:21Cf Dt 18:15-18.+1:23Lit he.+1:23Is 40:3+1:24Lit were part of the Pharisees, or were from the Pharisees. ME(H)/IT (see ANLEX, 397, sv Φαρισαῖος; L-N, 11.49; NET Bible Notes, Jn 1:24).+1:26Or in. So throughout Jn 1.+1:29Lit he.+1:29Or who is going to take away. Scholars are divided as to whether this statement is reflective of John the Baptist’s theology, or that of John himself. If the former is the situation, the cleansing is probably meant to be understood apocalyptically (for further discussion, see UBSHS [Jn], 36). John the Baptist’s messages in the other gospels are clearly apocalyptic in orientation (see Mt 3; Lk 3), and, since the Apostle John himself ascribes these words to John the Baptist, there is no reason to doubt that this is reflective of the John the Baptist’s own position. This interpretation is reflected in the translation.+1:29Cf Mt 3:9; Lk 3:8-9; Re 17:14.+1:31Cf CJB, TEV.+1:32Or from the sky.+1:37Lit heard him speaking. ME. Cf ESV, HCSB, ISV, NET, NIV, NRSV, RSV, TEV.+1:38Cf NCV, TEV.+1:39Lit The hour was about the tenth. ME(H). Cf ISV, NCV, NET, NLT.+1:40Lit heard from John. ME. Cf NET, NIV, NLT.+1:40Lit and followed him.+1:42Lit him.+1:42Κηφᾶς ( kēphas) (“Cephas” in many translations) is the Aramaic surname for Simon (see L-N, 93.211). Cf CJB.+1:42Lit which is translated Peter. ME/IT (see ESL, #4074; L-N, 93.296). Cf CJB, TEV.+1:43Lit he.+1:43IT (see L-N, 93.444).+1:43Lit follow me. ME(H) (see translation and notes at Mt 4:19).+1:45Cf Gn 3:15, 9:27, 12:1-3, 49:8-12; Ex 12:1-28; Lv 23:4-44; Nu 24:15-19; Dt 15:15-18, 16:1-8; Jn 19:36; 1 Co 5:7.+1:45Cf Is 4:2, 7:14, 9:1-7, 11:1-6, 24:21-25, 28:16, 30:19-26, 42:1-7, 49:1-6, 50:4-9, 52:13-53:12, 55:3-5, 61:1-3, 63:1-6; Jr 23:5-6, 30:9, 30:21, 33:14-16; Ezk 17:22-24, 21:25-27, 34:23-31, 37:15-28; Dn 7:13-14, 9:24-27; Ho 3:4-5; Jl 2:23; Am 9:11-15; Mic 2:12-13, 5:1-4; Hg 2:6-9, 2:21-23; Ac 3:8-10, 6:9-15, 9:9-10, 10:4, 11:4-14, 12:10, 13:7; Ml 3:1, 4:2.+1:47Lit in whom. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT, and TEV at Jn 2:25; NIV and TEV at Jn 5:42.+1:47An allusion to Ps 32:2.+1:48Lit to him.+1:49Cf, eg, 2 Sa 7; 1 Ch 17; Ps 2, 89, 132.+1:51Or the sky.+1:51An allusion to Gn 28:12.+1:51Cf Gn 28:12; Dn 7:13-14.+2:1Or two days later.+2:4Lit What to me and to you? ME(I/F) (see translation and notes at Mt 8:29; NET Bible Notes, Jn 2:4; UBSHS [Jn], 57). Cf HCSB, LEB, NIV.+2:4Lit hour.+2:6Lit according to the ritual purification/cleansing of the Jews. ME. Cf CJB, NCV, NLT.+2:6Lit each holding two or three measures. ME(H) (see L-N, 81.22). Cf most English translations.+2:7Lit told them.+2:8Or to the head servant/steward.+2:9Lit the man in charge of the banquet.+2:10Lit every man. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 61).+2:10Lit they. Cf NET, NIV.+2:11Or disclosed. Cf HCSB.+2:13Cf Ex 12:14; Dt 16:16.+2:14Lit found in the temple courts. ME (see UBSHS [Lk], 298). Cf NLT.+2:14Or pigeons.+2:16Or the pigeons. Cf Lv 5:7-11. Jesus’ anger toward this particular group may be related to them taking advantage of the poor.+2:17Ps 69:9+2:18Lit the Jews. ME(H) (see note at Jn 1:19).+2:18Lit What sign can you show us that/since these things you do? ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 68). Cf JB.+2:21Lit That one. Cf NCV, NET, NLT.+2:21Lit That one was speaking about the sanctuary of his body.+2:22Cf Lv 23:9-14; 1 Co 15:4.+2:22Lit and in the word that Jesus had said. ME. Cf CJB, NLT, TEV.+2:23Lit that one.+2:24Lit because he was knowing all [of them]. ME (see Vincent, Word Studies, 2:88; UBSHS [Jn], 73; translation and notes at Jn 1:48). Note that, as in the case of the imperfect indicative in v 25, imperfective aspect is also encoded in the infinitive here. Vincent’s interpretation in v 25 would also have relevance here, therefore, since v 25 is giving strength and support to these statements (note the presence of γὰρ [ gar] in the final clause there). Cf CJB, NCV, NLT at v 25.+2:25Lit and he had no need that anyone should bear witness about the man. ME (see UBSHS [Jn], 73). Cf ISV, CJB, NCV, NLT.+2:25Lit For he himself knew what was in the man. ME (see Vincent, Word Studies, 2:88; UBSHS [Jn], 73). Cf CJB, NAB, NCV, NEB, NLT.