Lexical Summary Kana: Cana Original Word: Κανά Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Cana. Of Hebrew origin (compare Qanah); Cana, a place in Palestine -- Cana. see HEBREW Qanah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Hebrew origin Definition Cana, a city in Galilee NASB Translation Cana (4). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2580: ΚανάΚανά (Κανά WH; cf. Tdf. Proleg., p. 103; Winer's Grammar, § 6, 1 m.), ἡ (Buttmann, 21 (19)), Cana, indeclinable (Winer's Grammar, 61 (60); but dative Κανά Rec.st in John 2:1, 11), proper name of a village of Galilee about three hours distant from Nazareth toward the northwest, surviving at present in a place (partly uninhabited and partly ruinous) called Kana el-Jelil; cf. Robinson, Biblical Researches, ii. 346f; also his Later Biblical Researches, p. 108; cf. Ewald, Gesch. Christus as above with, p. 147 (1st edition); Rüetschi in Herzog vii. 234; (Porter in Alex.'s Kitto under the word. Several recent writers are inclined to reopen the question of the identification of Cana; see e. g. B. D. American edition under the word; Zeller, in Quart. Statem. of Palest. Expl. Fund, No. iii., p. 71f; Arnaud, Palestine, p. 412f; Conder, Tent Work etc. i. 150f) John 2:1, 11; John 4:46; John 21:2. STRONGS NT 2580a: ΚαναναῖοςΚαναναῖος L T Tr WH in Matthew 10:4 and Mark 3:18 (for R G Κανανίτης, which see); according to the interpretation of Bleek (Erklär. d. drei ersten Evv. i., p. 417), et al. a native of Cana (see Κανά); but then it ought to be written Καναιος. The reading Καναναῖος seems to be a clerical error occasioned by the preceding Θαδδαῖος (or Λεββαῖος); cf. Fritzsche on Matthew 10:4. (But (αιος is a common ending of the Grecized form of names of sects (cf. Ἀσσιδαιος, Φαρισαῖος, Σαδδουκαῖος, Ἐσσαιος). Hence, the word is probably derived from the Aramaic קַנְאָן (see next word) and corresponds to ζηλωτής, which see (cf. Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13). See Lightfoot Fresh Revision etc., p. 138f.) Geographical Setting Cana is identified in the New Testament as a village in Galilee, west or north-west of the Sea of Galilee and a short distance from Nazareth. The qualifier “of Galilee” distinguishes it from other ancient sites bearing the same or similar name. Modern proposals include Kefr Kenna (about six kilometers northeast of Nazareth) and Khirbet Qana (further to the north). Both locations lie along ancient trade routes that connected the inland regions of Galilee to the Mediterranean coast, fitting John’s portrayal of Cana as accessible to travelers moving between Capernaum, Nazareth, and the Judean countryside. Occurrences in the Gospel of John 1. John 2:1 – setting of the wedding feast. All four appearances are in the Fourth Gospel, linking Cana uniquely to the Johannine narrative of Jesus’ public ministry and subsequent resurrection appearances. The First Sign: Water into Wine (John 2:1-11) “Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.” (John 2:11) The Second Sign: Healing at a Distance (John 4:46-54) “Once again He visited Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine.” (John 4:46) Associations with Nathanael and the Post-Resurrection Appearance (John 21:2) “Nathanael from Cana in Galilee” is listed among the seven disciples who meet the risen Christ by the Sea of Tiberias. Cana therefore supplies not only settings for signs but also a disciple whose identity is tied to that village. Nathanael’s earlier confession, “You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49), gains retrospective weight once the resurrection confirms Jesus’ messianic claims. Theological Themes • Glory Manifested: Both signs at Cana unveil divine glory and lead to faith (John 2:11; 4:53). Historical and Archaeological Considerations Early Christian pilgrims (e.g., Egeria, fourth century) reported visiting Cana near Nazareth. Byzantine churches, stone vessels resembling first-century purification jars, and Roman-era habitations lend some support to Kefr Kenna, though Khirbet Qana’s larger first-century remains and elevation match the text’s hints that the village overlooked Nazareth’s basin. Definitive identification remains open, yet the uncertainty does not affect the scriptural witness to the events recorded. Practical Applications for Ministry • Marriage and Family: Cana underscores Christ’s affirmation of marriage and His willingness to bless domestic celebrations. Englishman's Concordance John 2:1 NGRK: ἐγένετο ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας NAS: there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, KJV: a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and INT: took place in Cana of Galilee John 2:11 N John 4:46 N John 21:2 N |
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