New Testament
John 2:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine."
Compare translations
And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.
What John 2:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see a moment during a wedding celebration where the wine has run out, which was a significant issue in that cultural context. Wine was an important part of the festivities, and running out could bring shame to the hosts. Mary, the mother of Jesus, notices the problem and brings it to His attention. This interaction highlights her awareness of the situation and her faith in Jesus' ability to help. It sets the stage for the first miracle of Jesus, where He turns water into wine, demonstrating His divine power and compassion. This moment also reflects the importance of community and the joy of celebration, as well as the role of Jesus in addressing human needs. Mary's initiative shows her trust in Jesus, suggesting that she believes He can resolve the issue, even before He performs the miracle. This verse invites readers to consider how they bring their concerns to Jesus and trust in His ability to provide solutions in times of need.
How to apply John 2:3 to your life
When faced with challenges or shortages in our lives, like the lack of wine at the wedding, we can turn to Jesus for help. This verse encourages us to bring our concerns to Him, trusting in His ability to provide and transform our situations for the better.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Water into Wine at Cana (John 2:1–11)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jerusalem
David's capital, the city of the temple, and the place where Jesus died and rose again.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about John 2:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying John 2:3
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does John 2:3 mean?
John 2:3 describes a situation at a wedding where the wine has run out, prompting Mary, the mother of Jesus, to inform Him. This moment highlights the importance of wine in celebrations and sets the stage for Jesus' first miracle.
What is the significance of Mary in John 2:3?
In John 2:3, Mary plays a crucial role by noticing the lack of wine and bringing it to Jesus' attention. Her action demonstrates her awareness of the situation and her faith in Jesus' ability to help.
How does John 2:3 relate to Jesus' miracles?
John 2:3 sets the context for Jesus' first miracle, where He turns water into wine. This interaction shows the beginning of His public ministry and His compassion in responding to people's needs.
What can we learn from John 2:3?
From John 2:3, we learn the importance of bringing our concerns to Jesus, trusting in His ability to provide solutions. It encourages us to seek help in times of need, just as Mary did.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.