King James Version
John 2
25 verses with commentary
The Wedding at Cana
And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
The 'third day' may foreshadow Christ's resurrection, John's first use of symbolic timing. Cana's wedding represents the joy of salvation, with Mary's presence suggesting her trust in Jesus despite no previous public miracles. This first sign reveals Christ's glory by transforming the old covenant (water in purification jars) into the new (abundant wine), superior in quality and quantity—a preview...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
**II.**
(1) **The third day**—*i.e.,* from the last note of time in John 1:43, giving one clear day between the call of Philip and the day of the marriage.
**Cana of Galilee** has been identified with both *Kânet el-Jelîl,* or *Khurbet Kânet,* and *Kefr Kenna.* The monks of Nazareth and local tradition claim the latter place as the scene of the miracle, but this tradition has not been traced earli...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32-34. They now tell each to the other how their hearts burned--**were fired--within them at His talk and His expositions of Scripture. "Ah! **this accounts for it: We could not understand the glow of self-evidencing light, love, glory that ravished our hearts; but now we do." They cannot rest--**how could they?--they must go straight back and tell the news. They find the eleven, but ere they ha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.
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KJV Study Commentary
Both Jesus and His disciples were invited to the wedding, indicating social acceptance and participation in community life. Jesus sanctifies marriage by His presence—the first public event of His ministry is a wedding celebration. The inclusion of disciples shows He already functions as a rabbi with followers. This reveals Jesus' humanity—He enjoyed celebration, valued community, and honored the m...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(2) **Was called**, or invited, after His arrival in Cana; but we may still think of Him, in whom purpose and result were one, as coming to Cana for the marriage. Nathanael would have known of it, and was perhaps also connected with one of the families. It is quite in accord with Eastern hospitality that the disciples, who are now spoken of under this collective title, and formed with their Rabbi ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32-34. They now tell each to the other how their hearts burned--**were fired--within them at His talk and His expositions of Scripture. "Ah! **this accounts for it: We could not understand the glow of self-evidencing light, love, glory that ravished our hearts; but now we do." They cannot rest--**how could they?--they must go straight back and tell the news. They find the eleven, but ere they ha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
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KJV Study Commentary
Mary's statement—'They have no wine'—is not merely observation but implicit request. She believes Jesus can address this need, though He has not yet performed public miracles. Her faith anticipates His ability before demonstration. The wine shortage threatened the hosts' honor and the celebration itself. Mary brings a practical problem to Jesus, modeling prayer that presents needs without dictatin...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **When they wanted wine.**—Better, *the wine having failed.*
**They have no wine.**—The question “What was the import of this remark?” has been often asked, and very variously answered. And yet the answer does not seem far to seek. The next verses fix its meaning as the expectation of an outcome of supernatural power. This is quite in harmony with the mother’s hopes and musings, without any pr...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**32-34. They now tell each to the other how their hearts burned--**were fired--within them at His talk and His expositions of Scripture. "Ah! **this accounts for it: We could not understand the glow of self-evidencing light, love, glory that ravished our hearts; but now we do." They cannot rest--**how could they?--they must go straight back and tell the news. They find the eleven, but ere they ha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' response—'Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come'—establishes crucial theological boundaries. 'Woman' (gynai) is respectful but formal, creating appropriate distance. Jesus' earthly family relationships are subordinate to His divine mission. 'My hour' refers to His appointed time for manifesting glory fully—the cross. While He will act, He operates according to divine...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(4) **Woman, what have I to do with thee?**—This is an old battle-ground between Protestant and Romanist expositors. The former have found in each clause of the sentence a condemnation of Mariolatry; the latter have sought explanations not inconsistent with their faith and practice. It may be hoped that the day is now past, when anything other than thoughts of reverence and honour is to be connect...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
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KJV Study Commentary
Mary's instruction to the servants—'Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it'—expresses complete trust despite Jesus' initial response. This is her last recorded statement in the Gospels, and it perfectly summarizes the proper response to Christ: unconditional obedience. She doesn't know what He will do but trusts He will act appropriately. This becomes a paradigm for discipleship: hear and obey, regar...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(5) **Whatsoever he saith unto you.**—His answer has not repelled her. She still believes and expects. Her command to the servants confirms the opinion that the marriage is of some member of the family. This opinion has taken strange traditional forms; one being that here, too, the Evangelist casts a veil over an incident in his own life, and that he was himself the bridegroom; but that, guided by...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Lu 24:36-53. Jesus Appears to the Assembled Disciples--His Ascension.
**36. Jesus ... stood--**(See on Joh 20:19).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
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KJV Study Commentary
The six stone water jars 'after the manner of the purifying of the Jews' held water for ritual washing. Each contained 20-30 gallons—120-180 gallons total. The stone material indicated these were for purification use. Jesus transforms vessels of ceremonial cleansing into containers of celebratory wine. The old covenant's cleansing rituals give way to new covenant abundance. Water for washing becom...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6) **Waterpots,** or *pitchers,* like to but larger than the vessels used for carrying water, as in John 4:28. These were placed in the outer court, away from the guest-chamber, for the governor of the feast is ignorant of the circumstances (John 2:9). It is natural that an eyewitness should remember the number and know roughly their size. There were six of them, containing about twenty gallons a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**37-38. a spirit--**the ghost of their dead Lord, but not Himself in the body (Ac 12:15; Mt 14:26).
**thoughts--**rather, "reasonings"; that is, whether He were risen or no, and whether this was His very self.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus commands the servants to fill the jars 'to the brim'—complete fullness, maximum capacity. There's no hesitation or partial measure. When Christ provides, He provides abundantly. The servants obeyed completely—the text emphasizes 'they filled them up to the brim.' Full obedience precedes the miracle. Had they partially filled the jars, the miracle would have been proportionally limited.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(7) **Fill the waterpots.**—It is implied that the pitchers were wholly or in part empty, the water in them having been used for the ablutions before the feast. The persons ordered are the servants (John 2:5). “Up to the brim” marks the willing care with which the order was obeyed, and an expectation through the household of some work to be wrought.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**37-38. a spirit--**the ghost of their dead Lord, but not Himself in the body (Ac 12:15; Mt 14:26).
**thoughts--**rather, "reasonings"; that is, whether He were risen or no, and whether this was His very self.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.
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KJV Study Commentary
The servants draw water and take it to the 'governor of the feast' (architriklinos)—the headwaiter or master of ceremonies responsible for provisions. Only the servants know the miracle's source; they drew water and delivered wine. This pattern continues throughout John: humble servants understand what officials miss. Faith sees what sophistication overlooks. The servants' silent knowledge contras...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.**—A vessel was let down into the pitcher, and was then carried to the ruler of the feast, who would distribute the wine in it to the guests. *Ruler* rather than “governor.” The same English word should be used throughout the two verses. What exact office is denoted by the Greek word is uncertain, as it occurs nowhere else in the Bible, a...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-43. Behold, &c.--**lovingly offering them both ocular and tangible demonstration of the reality of His resurrection.
**a spirit hath not--**an important statement regarding "spirits."
**flesh and bones--**He says not "flesh and blood"; for the blood is the life of the animal and corruptible body (Ge 9:4), which "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50); but "flesh and bones," im...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,
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KJV Study Commentary
The governor tastes the water 'that was made wine' without knowing its origin. The text specifies 'the servants which drew the water knew.' This creates an epistemological divide—those who obey and serve understand what those in authority may miss. The water had genuinely become wine; this was transformation, not merely addition or mixture. The miracle is complete and public yet the source remains...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Water that was made wine.**—Better, *water that had become wine.* At what moment did the transformation take place? What water became wine? The text itself does not speak of “water now become wine” until the ruler of the feast tasted it, and immediately afterwards speaks of it as “water,” when the servants drew it, for the plain reference of the parenthesis in brackets is to the drawing of t...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-43. Behold, &c.--**lovingly offering them both ocular and tangible demonstration of the reality of His resurrection.
**a spirit hath not--**an important statement regarding "spirits."
**flesh and bones--**He says not "flesh and blood"; for the blood is the life of the animal and corruptible body (Ge 9:4), which "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50); but "flesh and bones," im...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.
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KJV Study Commentary
The governor's comment—'Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine... but thou hast kept the good wine until now'—reveals the wine's exceptional quality. Normal practice served best wine first; this host seemingly reversed protocol. The irony is profound: unbeknownst to the governor, this isn't the host's planning but Christ's provision. The 'best wine last' pictures gospel truth—Christ b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **When men have well drunk.**—The same Greek word is used in the LXX. in Genesis 43:34, and rendered in the Authorised version “were merry;” but its general use in the Old Testament, as in classical writers, and its invariable use in the New Testament (Matthew 24:49; Acts 2:15; 1Corinthians 11:21; Ephesians 5:18; 1Thessalonians 5:7; Revelation 17:6, are the only passages) is to express the st...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-43. Behold, &c.--**lovingly offering them both ocular and tangible demonstration of the reality of His resurrection.
**a spirit hath not--**an important statement regarding "spirits."
**flesh and bones--**He says not "flesh and blood"; for the blood is the life of the animal and corruptible body (Ge 9:4), which "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50); but "flesh and bones," im...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.
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KJV Study Commentary
John calls this the 'beginning of miracles', deliberately using 'semeion' (sign) rather than 'miracle'—each sign points beyond itself to Christ's identity. The manifestation of glory anticipates John 17:5's reference to pre-incarnate glory. The disciples' belief represents genuine saving faith, not mere amazement at wonders. This establishes a pattern: signs lead to belief, which brings life (John...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, or, more exactly, *This did Jesus in Cana of Galilee as the beginning of His signs.* The form of the sentence makes it certain that it is the absolutely first and not the first in Cana which is meant.
It is important to note here that St. John uses only once, and that in our Lord’s test of the courtier, and connected with “sign” (John 4...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-43. Behold, &c.--**lovingly offering them both ocular and tangible demonstration of the reality of His resurrection.
**a spirit hath not--**an important statement regarding "spirits."
**flesh and bones--**He says not "flesh and blood"; for the blood is the life of the animal and corruptible body (Ge 9:4), which "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50); but "flesh and bones," im...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 2
Chapter Outline
The miracle at Cana.(1-11)
Christ casts the buyers and sellers out of the temple.(12-22)
Many believe in Christ.(23-25)
**Verses 1-11**
It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own and bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage, must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes ...
Read full commentary →After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.
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KJV Study Commentary
After the wedding, Jesus goes to Capernaum with His mother, brothers, and disciples. This brief note shows Jesus' humanity—He had family relationships and followed normal travel patterns. Capernaum becomes His ministry base in Galilee. The mention of brothers who would later disbelieve (John 7:5) reminds us that even Christ's immediate family initially struggled with His identity. Family connectio...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **After this he went down to Capernaum.**—For the position of Capernaum comp. Note on Matthew 4:13. It was on the shore of the lake of Tiberias, and He must have gone “down” to it from any locality among the hills of Galilee. The words do not imply that they went to Capernaum direct from Cana. The “after this” allows of a return to Nazareth, and the mention of the “brethren” makes such a retu...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**39-43. Behold, &c.--**lovingly offering them both ocular and tangible demonstration of the reality of His resurrection.
**a spirit hath not--**an important statement regarding "spirits."
**flesh and bones--**He says not "flesh and blood"; for the blood is the life of the animal and corruptible body (Ge 9:4), which "cannot inherit the kingdom of God" (1Co 15:50); but "flesh and bones," im...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →Jesus Cleanses the Temple
And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,
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KJV Study Commentary
John notes 'the Jews' passover was at hand'—the first of three Passovers in John's Gospel, providing a three-year ministry timeline. Jesus goes up to Jerusalem, fulfilling the law's requirement. His attendance connects His ministry to Israel's central redemptive event—the exodus deliverance through sacrificial lamb's blood. The Lamb of God (1:29) approaches the feast celebrating lambs' sacrifice.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **And the Jews’ passover was at hand.**—Here, again, we are on common ground with the earlier Gospels. They place a cleansing of the Temple at the close of our Lord’s ministry at the only Passover which comes within the scope of their narrative. The subject has been dealt with in Notes on Matthew 21:12 *et seq.* (Comp. also *Introduction: The Chronological Harmony of the Gospels,* p. 35) The ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:
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KJV Study Commentary
In the temple, Jesus finds 'those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.' This commerce served legitimate religious need—pilgrims needed animals for sacrifice and temple currency for offerings. Yet the location (apparently in the Court of Gentiles) and exploitation had corrupted the temple's purpose. Jesus sees not just religious activity but religious corruption.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;
View commentary (4 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
Jesus makes a whip of cords and drives out the sheep, oxen, and money changers. This deliberate, forceful action demonstrates righteous anger—not loss of control but intentional prophetic action. The whip, fashioned on site, shows premeditation. Christ's gentleness does not preclude appropriate confrontation of evil. The one who would be led as a lamb to slaughter first acts as shepherd driving ou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **And the sheep, and the oxen.**—For this read, *both the sheep and the oxen.* The change is of only one word, but it gives an entirely different sense. The driving out with the scourge was not of “all (men) and sheep and oxen,” but of “all,” *i.e.,* both sheep and oxen.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.
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KJV Study Commentary
To dove-sellers, Jesus commands: 'Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.' The possessive 'my Father's house' claims unique sonship—the temple is His family's property. The merchants may have been providing needed services, but their method corrupted the temple's purpose. Commerce had displaced worship; profit had replaced prayer. Jesus restores the temple's tr...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **My Father’s house.**—Some among those present now (John 2:18) may have been present in that same house when He, a lad of twelve years, was there at the Passover, and after questions and answers, higher and deeper than these doctors could grasp, claimed God as His true Father (Luke 2:49). What that repeated claim meant now must have been clear to all. Their own messengers had brought them Jo...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.
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KJV Study Commentary
The disciples remember Psalm 69:9: 'The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.' This messianic psalm describes the Righteous Sufferer's experience. Jesus' consuming passion for the temple's purity reflects divine zeal. The verb 'eaten up' (katephagen) suggests consuming fire—jealous love that cannot tolerate corruption of what is sacred. This zeal will ultimately contribute to His death as religiou...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **Was written . . . hath eaten me up** .—More literally, *is written .* . . *shall eat me up.* The verse is full of interest in many ways. It gives us the thought of the disciples at the time (comp. John 2:22) which could be known only to one of their number. It shows us what we too seldom realise in reading the New Testament, that the Jewish mind was filled to overflowing with thoughts of th...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?
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KJV Study Commentary
The Jews demand a sign authenticating Jesus' authority: 'What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?' They acknowledge His bold action requires authorization—who gave Him right to disrupt temple commerce? Their demand for signs reflects both legitimate concern and deeper unbelief. Jesus doesn't need external authentication; His actions themselves carry prophetic authority.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Then answered the Jews.**—Comp. for the meaning of “the Jews” John 1:19; and for their question, Matthew 21:23. The Mosaic legislation contained a warning against the efficiency of the test by signs (Deuteronomy 13:1-3), but it was of the essence of Pharisaism to cling to it (Matthew 12:38; 1Corinthians 1:22). It supplied an easy means of rejecting the moral conviction. A sign can only be e...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**44-49. These are the words, &c.--**that is, "Now you will understand what seemed so dark to you when I told you about the Son of man being put to death and rising again" (Lu 18:31-34).
**while ... yet with you--**a striking expression, implying that He was now, as the dead and risen Saviour, virtually dissevered from this scene of mortality, and from all ordinary intercourse with His morta...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.
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KJV Study Commentary
Christ's cryptic prophecy 'Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up' was deliberately ambiguous—speaking of His body's resurrection while using 'temple' metaphorically. The Jews' literal interpretation ('Forty and six years was this temple in building') revealed their spiritual blindness. John clarifies (v. 21-22) that disciples understood only after the resurrection. This claim—t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) Here, as in Matthew 12:38, a sign is given referring to His resurrection. The sign is in its nature an enigma, meaningless to him who does not seek to understand it, but full of meaning for him who earnestly examines into the thing signified, and in such a form as impresses itself on the memory and educates the moral powers. We have had an example of this enigmatic teaching in John 1:15; John...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. to Bethany--**not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?
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KJV Study Commentary
The Jews misunderstand, thinking Jesus speaks of Herod's temple: 'Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?' Their literalism blinds them to spiritual meaning. The temple construction, begun under Herod the Great around 20 BC, was ongoing. The Jews' incredulity is understandable but reveals spiritual dullness—they cannot conceive of anything beyond th...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) They profess to seek a sign for evidence; they use it for cavil.
**Forty and six years was this temple in building.**—It is implied that it was not then finished. The date of the completion is given by Josephus (*Ant.* xx. 9, § 7) as A.D. 64. The same author gives the eighteenth year of the reign of Herod the Great (Nisan 734—Nisan 735, A.U.100) as the commencement of the renewal of the Templ...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. to Bethany--**not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →But he spake of the temple of his body.
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KJV Study Commentary
John clarifies: 'But he spake of the temple of his body.' Jesus' body is the true temple—the meeting place of God and humanity. His resurrection after three days would vindicate His authority and fulfill this sign. The incarnation means God dwells not in buildings but in Christ Himself, and through Him, in believers. This redefines sacred space entirely.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **But he spake.**—Literally, *was speaking.* This is the solution of the enigma as the disciples read it in the after history. It is remarkable that we have the interpretation of the spiritual temple in Mark 14:58 (see Note there, and comp. John 4:21; John 4:23).
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. to Bethany--**not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.
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KJV Study Commentary
After the resurrection, the disciples remembered and believed. Understanding came retrospectively—'then remembered his disciples that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.' Scripture and Jesus' words mutually confirmed each other. The resurrection was the interpretive key unlocking previous teachings. Faith grows as events illuminate prior ...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(22) **That he had said this unto them.**—The better texts omit “unto them.” For the way in which the saying, hard to be understood, fixed itself in men’s minds, comp. Matthew 26:61; Matthew 27:40; Mark 14:58; Mark 15:29; Acts 6:13. It becomes in the mouth of false witnesses the accusation by means of which its meaning is accomplished. The death on the cross is the destruction of the Temple, but i...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**50-53. to Bethany--**not to the village itself, but on the "descent" to it from Mount Olivet.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 12-22**
The first public work in which we find Christ engaged, was driving from the temple the traders whom the covetous priests and rulers encouraged to make a market-place of its courts. Those now make God's house a house of merchandise, whose minds are filled with cares about worldly business when attending religious exercises, or who perform Divine offices for love of gain. Christ...
Read full commentary →Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.
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KJV Study Commentary
Many believed during the Passover feast 'when they saw the miracles which he did.' This sign-based faith was genuine but inadequate. Jesus performed miracles, people believed—but Jesus' response (verse 24) shows this faith is immature. Signs can produce belief, but belief based solely on miracles may not endure. True faith trusts Christ's word, not merely His works.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **In the feast day.**—Omit the word “day” after feast. The italics show that there is no word to express it in the Greek, and it gives the impression of one day, whereas the feast extended over a week. The idea of time, moreover, is not expressed by “in the feast.” The sentence means, *When He was in the feast* (engaged in keeping the feast) *at Jerusalem, during the Passover.*
**Many believe...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN
Commentary by David Brown
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-25**
Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, he tries th...
Read full commentary →But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,
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KJV Study Commentary
Remarkably, 'Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men.' Despite their belief, Jesus withheld full trust. The verb 'commit' (pisteuo) is the same as 'believe'—they believed in Him, but He didn't believe in them. His perfect knowledge of human nature prevented naive trust in popularity. The crowds' enthusiasm would soon turn to 'Crucify Him!'
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(24) But beneath this shallow surface there is the unbroken ledge of rock. They are easily moved just because they are not deeply moved. The eye which looked at, looked into, others (comp. John 1:47 *et seq.*)*,* saw to the very depth of their hearts too, and knew all. It saw in that depth that the true inner man did not believe, did not commit itself to Him; it found not the spiritual receptivity...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-25**
Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, he tries th...
Read full commentary →And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.
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KJV Study Commentary
Jesus needed no human testimony about anyone—'he knew what was in man.' This omniscience distinguishes Him from other teachers. He didn't need informants or investigations; He perceived hearts directly. This knowledge both protected Him from false disciples and enabled Him to reach the genuinely seeking. It also explains why He could trust some (like Nathanael) while withholding trust from others.
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(25) **And needed not.**—Better, *and because He needed not.*
**For he knew.**—Better, *for He of Himself knew.* The verse is a wider statement of the general truth of which John 2:24 is a particular instance. He did not in that instance need any testimony of spiritual state and character, because He then, as always, read what was in man.
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
INTRODUCTION
**The author of the Fourth Gospel was the younger of the two sons of Zebedee, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee, who resided at Bethsaida, where were born Peter and Andrew his brother, and Philip also. His mother's name was Salome, who, though not without her imperfections (Mt 20:20-28), was one of those dear and honored women who accompanied the Lord on one of His preaching circuits...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 23-25**
Our Lord knew all men, their nature, dispositions, affections, designs, so as we do not know any man, not even ourselves. He knows his crafty enemies, and all their secret projects; his false friends, and their true characters. He knows who are truly his, knows their uprightness, and knows their weaknesses. We know what is done by men; Christ knows what is in them, he tries th...
Read full commentary →