King James Version

What Does John 4:46 Mean?

John 4:46 in the King James Version says “So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was ...” — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. nobleman: or, courtier, or, ruler”

John 4:46 · KJV

Context

44

For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet hath no honour in his own country.

45

Then when he was come into Galilee, the Galilaeans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast: for they also went unto the feast.

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. nobleman: or, courtier, or, ruler

47

When he heard that Jesus was come out of Judaea into Galilee, he went unto him, and besought him that he would come down, and heal his son: for he was at the point of death.

48

Then said Jesus unto him, Except ye see signs and wonders, ye will not believe.

Read John 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Returning to Cana where He performed the first sign, Jesus now performs the second without being physically present—demonstrating His divine omnipresence and power over distance. The nobleman's journey (20 miles from Capernaum) shows desperate faith. This sign escalates from transforming water to controlling life and death, revealing Christ's authority over all creation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The nobleman (Greek 'basilikos', 'royal official') likely served Herod Antipas. Jews considered Galileans inferior, yet this official humbled himself before a Galilean carpenter's son, showing genuine faith transcends social barriers.

Reflection Questions

  1. What is Christ calling you to believe Him for that seems impossible?
  2. How does this healing from a distance demonstrate that Christ's power is not limited by physical presence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
Ἦλθεν1 of 25

“came”

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

οὖν2 of 25

“So”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ3 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 25

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

πάλιν5 of 25

“again”

G3825

(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand

εἰς6 of 25

“into”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν7 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κανὰ8 of 25

“Cana”

G2580

cana, a place in palestine

τῆς9 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Γαλιλαίας10 of 25

“of Galilee”

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of palestine

ὅπου11 of 25

“where”

G3699

what(-ever) where, i.e., at whichever spot

ἐποίησεν12 of 25

“he made”

G4160

to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)

τὸ13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὕδωρ14 of 25

“the water”

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

οἶνον15 of 25

“wine”

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

καὶ16 of 25

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἦν17 of 25

“there was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

τις18 of 25

“a certain”

G5100

some or any person or object

βασιλικὸς19 of 25

“nobleman”

G937

regal (in relation), i.e., (literally) belonging to (or befitting) the sovereign (as land, dress, or a courtier), or (figuratively) preeminent

οὗ20 of 25

“whose”

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ὁ21 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

υἱὸς22 of 25

“son”

G5207

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

ἠσθένει23 of 25

“was sick”

G770

to be feeble (in any sense)

ἐν24 of 25

“at”

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

Καπερναούμ·25 of 25

“Capernaum”

G2584

capernaum (i.e., caphanachum), a place in palestine

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 4:46 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 4:46 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

John 2:1-11Matthew 9:18Luke 8:42Hosea 5:15Matthew 15:22Luke 7:2

Places in This Verse

CanaSettlement · Modern: Horbat Qana · 32.82°N, 35.30°E4 verses across 1 book
CapernaumSettlement · Modern: Tell Hum · 32.88°N, 35.58°E18 verses across 4 books
Galilee 1Region · Modern: Galilee · 32.76°N, 35.53°E78 verses across 10 books
View all places in John 4 →

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