New Testament
John 4:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
So Jesus came again to Cana of Galilee, where he had made the water into wine. And there was a certain royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum.
Compare translations
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.
What John 4:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Jesus returns to Cana of Galilee, the place where he performed his first miracle by turning water into wine. This setting is significant as it highlights Jesus' ministry and the miracles he performed. A royal official, likely a person of high status, comes to Jesus because his son is gravely ill in Capernaum, which is about 20 miles away. This official's desperation shows the lengths to which parents will go to seek help for their children. The mention of Capernaum indicates that Jesus' reputation as a healer has spread beyond Cana, attracting people from different regions. The royal official's faith in Jesus is about to be tested, as he seeks healing for his son, demonstrating the theme of faith and the power of Jesus' words. This encounter sets the stage for a significant miracle that will reveal Jesus' authority over illness and distance, emphasizing that faith can lead to miraculous outcomes.
How to apply John 4:46 to your life
This verse encourages us to seek help from Jesus in times of crisis. Just as the royal official sought Jesus for his sick son, we too can bring our concerns to Him. It reminds us that faith in Jesus can lead to healing and hope, even in desperate situations.
Curated for this public verse page. John Summary
Explore more of the Bible
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 Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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 4:46
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 4:46
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 4:46 mean?
John 4:46 describes Jesus returning to Cana, the site of his first miracle, where a royal official seeks his help for his sick son in Capernaum. This highlights Jesus' growing reputation as a healer and the faith of those who come to him for help.
What is the significance of Cana in John 4:46?
Cana is significant in John 4:46 because it is where Jesus performed his first miracle of turning water into wine. This setting emphasizes the beginning of his ministry and the miracles that attract people to him.
Who is the royal official in John 4:46?
The royal official in John 4:46 is likely a person of high status who comes to Jesus out of desperation for his sick son. His actions demonstrate the lengths to which parents will go to seek healing for their children.
What does this verse teach about faith?
This verse illustrates the theme of faith, as the royal official believes that Jesus can heal his son despite the distance. It shows that faith in Jesus can lead to miraculous outcomes, even in desperate situations.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.