This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

JOHN 2:11KJV
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John 2:11 (KJV)

What does John 2:11 mean?

John 2:11 says that Jesus performed his first miracle in Cana of Galilee, which revealed his glory and led his disciples to believe in him. This verse marks the beginning of Jesus’ public signs, showing his divine power and identity to those closest to him.

In this scene, John the writer is describing what happened after Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. The verse highlights that this was not just a display of power, but a sign that revealed something important about who Jesus is. The disciples, who were already following him, responded to this miracle by putting their trust in him more deeply.

The Greek behind John 2:11

  • "beginning" (ἀρχή, archē): This word means the very start or first in a series. John is pointing out that this is the first public miracle Jesus did, setting the tone for what follows in his ministry.
  • "miracles" (σημεῖον, sēmeion): The Greek word used here is often translated as "signs," not just "miracles." It means something that points to a deeper reality. John wants readers to see Jesus’ acts as signs revealing his true nature, not just wonders.
  • "manifested forth" (ἐφανέρωσεν, ephanerōsen): This means to make visible or to reveal openly. The verse emphasizes that Jesus’ glory—his divine character and authority—was shown clearly through this act.
  • "believed" (ἐπίστευσαν, episteusan): This word means to trust or have faith. The disciples’ belief here is a response to what they witnessed, showing that seeing the sign led them to a deeper faith.

Why John 2:11 matters

  • John 2:11 clarifies that Jesus’ miracles are not just supernatural acts, but signs meant to reveal who he is; this shapes how readers understand the rest of the Gospel’s miracles.
  • The verse shows that the disciples’ faith grew as they witnessed Jesus’ actions, highlighting the process of belief and trust in his followers.
  • By calling this the "beginning," John signals a new phase in Jesus’ ministry, connecting this event to the larger story of how Jesus reveals his identity throughout the Gospel.

Where else these words appear

“Cana” Greek G2580 · used in 4 verses

  • John 2:1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
  • John 4:46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.
  • John 21:2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

“forth” Greek G5319 · used in 43 verses

  • Mark 4:22 For there is nothing hid, which shall not be manifested; neither was any thing kept secret, but that it should come abroad.
  • 2 Corinthians 2:14 Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
  • Titus 1:3 But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour;

“beginning” Greek G746 · used in 56 verses

  • Matthew 19:4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
  • Acts 10:11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth:
  • Hebrews 3:14 For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end;

“Galilee” Greek G1056 · used in 62 verses

  • Matthew 2:22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:
  • Mark 1:39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.
  • Luke 23:49 And all his acquaintance, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood afar off, beholding these things.