Cana is a small town in Galilee mentioned in several key moments in the New Testament. It is most famous for being the place where Jesus performed His first miracle, but the town holds deeper meaning and connections throughout the Gospels. Here are ten interesting facts about Cana in the Bible, along with Scripture to support each point.
1. Jesus Performed His First Miracle in Cana
The first public miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding in Cana. He turned water into wine when the hosts ran out, showing His divine power for the first time.
John 2:1,11 (KJV)
"And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there... This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."
2. Cana Was Located in Galilee
Cana is always called “Cana of Galilee” in the Bible to distinguish it from other places with similar names. It was close to Nazareth, where Jesus was raised.
John 4:46 (KJV)
"So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine."
Luke 4:16 (KJV)
"And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up..."
3. Mary Was the First to Bring the Problem to Jesus
Mary told Jesus there was no wine and instructed the servants to do whatever He told them. Her faith in His power came before any public miracle had occurred.
John 2:3,5 (KJV)
"And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine... His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it."
4. Jesus Healed a Nobleman’s Son from Cana
Another miracle happened in Cana when Jesus healed a nobleman’s son who was in Capernaum—nearly 20 miles away. This miracle demonstrated Jesus’ authority over distance and disease.
John 4:46-50 (KJV)
"So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee... The nobleman saith unto him, Sir, come down ere my child die. Jesus saith unto him, Go thy way; thy son liveth..."
5. The Wedding Miracle Showed Jesus’ Glory
This miracle wasn’t just helpful; it revealed Jesus' true nature to His disciples and sparked their belief.
John 2:11 (KJV)
"This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him."
6. Nathanael, a Disciple of Jesus, Was From Cana
Nathanael, one of Jesus’ earliest followers, came from Cana. He is also called “an Israelite indeed” by Jesus.
John 1:45-47 (KJV)
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him... Jesus of Nazareth... Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith... Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!"
John 21:2 (KJV)
"There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee..."
7. Jesus Cares About Daily Joys Like Weddings
By choosing to perform His first miracle at a wedding, Jesus showed that He values marriage, family, and the joyful moments of life.
Ecclesiastes 3:13 (KJV)
"And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God."
8. The Miracle Used Stone Waterpots for Rituals
Jesus used six large stone waterpots that were normally for Jewish purification ceremonies, showing His power to transform the old into the new.
John 2:6 (KJV)
"And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece."
2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
9. Cana Was Still Important After Jesus Rose
Even after the resurrection, Cana was mentioned again as the home of Nathanael. It shows the lasting legacy of people and places connected to Jesus' ministry.
John 21:2 (KJV)
"Nathanael of Cana in Galilee..."
10. The Wedding at Cana Is Read at Christian Weddings Today
Because Jesus began His public ministry at a wedding, many pastors read this passage at Christian marriage ceremonies. It highlights how marriage is a God-ordained covenant.
Genesis 2:24 (KJV)
"Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."
Matthew 19:6 (KJV)
"Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder."
Summary Table
| Fact | Key Detail | Bible Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | First miracle: water to wine | John 2:1,11 |
| 2 | Located in Galilee | John 4:46; Luke 4:16 |
| 3 | Mary’s faith in Jesus | John 2:3,5 |
| 4 | Healing from afar | John 4:46-50 |
| 5 | Jesus revealed His glory | John 2:11 |
| 6 | Nathanael’s hometown | John 1:45-47; John 21:2 |
| 7 | Jesus values daily life | Ecclesiastes 3:13 |
| 8 | Purification pots used | John 2:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17 |
| 9 | Cana mentioned post-resurrection | John 21:2 |
| 10 | Wedding passage used today | Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6 |
