King James Version

What Does John 4:54 Mean?

John 4:54 in the King James Version says “This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee. — study this verse from John chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.

John 4:54 · KJV


Context

52

Then enquired he of them the hour when he began to amend. And they said unto him, Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.

53

So the father knew that it was at the same hour, in the which Jesus said unto him, Thy son liveth: and himself believed, and his whole house.

54

This is again the second miracle that Jesus did, when he was come out of Judaea into Galilee.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
John's careful enumeration ('second miracle') creates a deliberate parallel between the wedding's joy and this family's restoration. Both signs occurred in Galilee, Christ's home region that would largely reject Him (6:66). The pattern of escalating signs—from wine to healing to life—foreshadows the ultimate sign: Christ's own resurrection. This methodical structure serves John's stated purpose: that readers might believe Jesus is the Christ (20:31).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

By noting this as the 'second sign', John establishes a counting system that early church fathers recognized. Unlike the synoptic Gospels which record many miracles, John selects seven specific signs to prove Christ's deity.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why does John emphasize the number and order of Christ's signs?
  2. How do Christ's miracles serve as evidence for belief rather than merely demonstrations of power?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
Τοῦτο1 of 14

This

G5124

that thing

πάλιν2 of 14

is again

G3825

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

δεύτερον3 of 14

the second

G1208

(ordinal) second (in time, place, or rank; also adverb)

σημεῖον4 of 14

miracle

G4592

an indication, especially ceremonially or supernaturally

ἐποίησεν5 of 14

did

G4160

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

6 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰησοῦς7 of 14

that Jesus

G2424

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

ἐλθὼν8 of 14

when he was come out

G2064

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

ἐκ9 of 14

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς10 of 14
G3588

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

Ἰουδαίας11 of 14

Judaea

G2449

the judaean land (i.e., judaea), a region of palestine

εἰς12 of 14

into

G1519

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

τὴν13 of 14
G3588

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

Γαλιλαίαν14 of 14

Galilee

G1056

galilaea (i.e., the heathen circle), a region of 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 4:54 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 4:54 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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