Κανᾶ (Kana)
Kana
Cana
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Kana refers to a small village in Galilee, located roughly five miles northwest of Nazareth. Its meaning is often understood as "place of reeds," reflecting the local landscape where such vegetation would have grown near water sources. This geographical detail grounds the biblical narrative in a specific, tangible setting rather than an abstract location.
In the Gospel of John, Kana serves as the stage for Jesus’ first public miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast (John 2:1–11). It is also mentioned as the place where Jesus healed an official’s son (John 4:46) and where he appeared to his disciples after the resurrection (John 21:2). These events mark Kana as a significant site in the early ministry of Jesus, connecting him to ordinary family life and community celebrations.
Though it appears only four times in the New Testament, its repeated mention highlights its importance in the Johannine tradition. The village is not described with elaborate detail, but its role in these key moments suggests that God’s work often begins in humble, everyday places. For readers, Kana reminds us that sacred events are embedded in real human experiences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Cana is a small village in Galilee, situated just a short walk from Nazareth. The name likely means "place of reeds," pointing to a landscape shaped by water and nature. In the Gospels, this unassuming location becomes the stage for Jesus’ first public miracle, turning water into wine at a wedding feast. It also serves as the backdrop for healing a royal official’s son and a post-resurrection appearance by the lake.
These events show that God enters ordinary life. He does not wait for grand temples or perfect circumstances to begin His work. Instead, He meets people in homes, at celebrations, and in moments of need. Cana reminds us that sacred moments are woven into daily routines. Your own life, with its simple joys and quiet struggles, is a place where God’s presence can be revealed.
When you face ordinary days, remember that God is near. He cares about your relationships, your celebrations, and your needs. Just as Jesus transformed water into wine in Cana, He can bring new life to the familiar parts of your world. You are never too far from His grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Cana4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Κανὰ4×
Key Verses
-
John 2:1
The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
This verse introduces Cana as the setting for Jesus’ first miracle, grounding the divine act in a specific social context of marriage and community.
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John 2:11
This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
Here, John explicitly identifies the event in Cana as the "beginning of his signs," linking the location to the revelation of Jesus’ glory and the disciples’ belief.
-
John 4:46
Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum.
Jesus returns to Cana to heal an official’s son, showing that this place is a hub for His healing ministry beyond the initial wedding miracle.
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John 21:2
Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together.
Nathanael is identified as being "of Cana," connecting a specific disciple to this hometown and reinforcing its role in the early circle of followers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Cana mean?
Why is Cana important in the Bible?
Where is Cana located?
How many times is Cana mentioned in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (4 verses across 1 books)
John 4 verses
The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there.
John 2:11This beginning of his signs Jesus did in Cana of Galilee, and revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.
John 4:46Jesus came therefore again to Cana of Galilee, where he made the water into wine. There was a certain nobleman whose…
John 21:2Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his…