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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 2:12 After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/2-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/43_Jhn_02_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 2:12 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/john/2-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/john/2-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/john/">John</a> > <a href="/john/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/john/2-11.htm" title="John 2:11">◄</a> John 2:12 <a href="/john/2-13.htm" title="John 2:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/john/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/john/2.htm">New International Version</a> After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples. There they stayed for a few days. <a href="/nlt/john/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> After the wedding he went to Capernaum for a few days with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples. <a href="/esv/john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days. <a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> After this, He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples, and they stayed there not many days. <a href="/kjv/john/2.htm">King James Bible</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days. <a href="/nkjv/john/2.htm">New King James Version</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not stay there many days. <a href="/nasb_/john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/nasb/john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/nasb77/john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and there they stayed a few days. <a href="/lsb/john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/amp/john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and brothers and His disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/csb/john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> After this, he went down to Capernaum, together with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there only a few days. <a href="/hcsb/john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> After this, He went down to Capernaum, together with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples, and they stayed there only a few days. <a href="/asv/john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and there they abode not many days. <a href="/cev/john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> After this, he went with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples to the town of Capernaum, where they stayed for a few days. <a href="/erv/john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and there they abode not many days. <a href="/gwt/john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> After this, Jesus, his mother, brothers, and disciples went to the city of Capernaum and stayed there for a few days. <a href="/gnt/john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> After this, Jesus and his mother, brothers, and disciples went to Capernaum and stayed there a few days. <a href="/isv/john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> After this, Jesus went down to Capernaum—he, his mother, his brothers, and his disciples—and they remained there for a few days. <a href="/msb/john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> After this, He went down to Capernaum with His mother and brothers and His disciples, and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/net/john/2.htm">NET Bible</a> After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother and brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/nheb/john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother and brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <a href="/wbt/john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and they continued there not many days. <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Afterwards He went down to Capernaum--He, and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and they made a short stay there. <a href="/web/john/2.htm">World English Bible</a> After this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they stayed there a few days. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> after this He went down to Capernaum, He, and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and they did not remain there many days. <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> After this, He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples, and they stayed there not many days. <a href="/ylt/john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> after this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples; and there they remained not many days. <a href="/slt/john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they remained there not many days.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> After this he went down to Capharnaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they remained there not many days. <a href="/cpdv/john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> After this, he descended to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, but they did not remain there for many days. <a href="/nabre/john/2.htm">New American Bible</a> After this, he and his mother, [his] brothers, and his disciples went down to Capernaum and stayed there only a few days. <a href="/nrsvce/john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> After this he went down to Capernaum with his mother, his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother and his brothers, and his disciples; and they remained there a few days. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he, his mother, his brothers and his disciples, and they were there a few days.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother and his brothers and his disciples. And they continued there not many days.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> After this He and His mother, and His brothers and His disciples went down into Capernaum, and abode there not many days. <a href="/haweis/john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, he and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and he continued there not many days. <a href="/mace/john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> After this he went down to Capernaum, in company with his mother, his brethren, and his disciples: but they stay'd there only a few days. <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Afterwards He went down to Capernaum--He, and His mother, and His brothers, and His disciples; and they made a short stay there. <a href="/worrell/john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, Himself, and His mother, and brothers, and His disciples; and there they abode not many days. <a href="/worsley/john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> After this He went down to Capernaum, He and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: but they staid there not many days. <a href="/parallel/john/2-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=493" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">Jesus Cleanses the Temple</a> 11Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him. 12<a href="/greek/3326.htm" title="3326: Meta (Prep) -- (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. ">After</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: touto (DPro-ANS) -- This; he, she, it. ">this,</a> <a href="/greek/2597.htm" title="2597: katebē (V-AIA-3S) -- To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.">He went down</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to</a> <a href="/greek/2584.htm" title="2584: Kapharnaoum (N-AFS) -- Capernaum, a town of Galilee. Of Hebrew origin; Capernaum, a place in Palestine.">Capernaum</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autos (PPro-NM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3384.htm" title="3384: mētēr (N-NFS) -- A mother. Apparently a primary word; a mother.">mother</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphoi (N-NMP) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brothers</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">His</a> <a href="/greek/3101.htm" title="3101: mathētai (N-NMP) -- A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil.">disciples,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3306.htm" title="3306: emeinan (V-AIA-3P) -- To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay.">they stayed</a> <a href="/greek/1563.htm" title="1563: ekei (Adv) -- (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.">there</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: pollas (Adj-AFP) -- Much, many; often. ">a few</a> <a href="/greek/2250.htm" title="2250: hēmeras (N-AFP) -- A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. ">days.</a> 13When the Jewish Passover was near, Jesus went up to Jerusalem.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/matthew/4-13.htm">Matthew 4:13</a> Leaving Nazareth, He went and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, <a href="/mark/1-21.htm">Mark 1:21</a> Then Jesus and His companions went to Capernaum, and right away Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and began to teach. <a href="/luke/4-31.htm">Luke 4:31</a> Then He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and on the Sabbath He began to teach the people. <a href="/john/1-43.htm">John 1:43-44</a> The next day Jesus decided to set out for Galilee. Finding Philip, He told him, “Follow Me.” / Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter. <a href="/john/4-46.htm">John 4:46</a> So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. <a href="/john/6-17.htm">John 6:17</a> got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was already dark, and Jesus had not yet gone out to them. <a href="/john/7-9.htm">John 7:9</a> Having said this, Jesus remained in Galilee. <a href="/john/7-53.htm">John 7:53</a> Then each went to his own home. <a href="/john/8-1.htm">John 8:1</a> But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. <a href="/john/21-2.htm">John 21:2</a> Simon Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. <a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Matthew 11:23</a> And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. <a href="/mark/2-1.htm">Mark 2:1</a> A few days later Jesus went back to Capernaum. And when the people heard that He was home, <a href="/luke/10-15.htm">Luke 10:15</a> And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades! <a href="/acts/10-38.htm">Acts 10:38</a> how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, and how Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, because God was with Him. <a href="/isaiah/9-1.htm">Isaiah 9:1</a> Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those in distress. In the past He humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future He will honor the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the nations:</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brothers, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.Capernaum.<a href="/john/6-17.htm">John 6:17</a> And entered into a ship, and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus was not come to them.<a href="/matthew/4-13.htm">Matthew 4:13</a> And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:<a href="/matthew/11-23.htm">Matthew 11:23</a> And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.and his brethren.<a href="/john/7-3.htm">John 7:3-5</a> His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest… <a href="/matthew/12-46.htm">Matthew 12:46</a> While he yet talked to the people, behold, his mother and his brethren stood without, desiring to speak with him.<a href="/matthew/13-55.htm">Matthew 13:55,56</a> Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brethren, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas? … <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/1-39.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/luke/24-53.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/luke/10-15.htm">Capernaum</a> <a href="/luke/10-15.htm">Caper'na-Um</a> <a href="/luke/23-49.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/luke/8-23.htm">Descended</a> <a href="/john/2-11.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/luke/13-23.htm">Few</a> <a href="/john/2-5.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/john/2-3.htm">Short</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">Three</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/3-22.htm">Abode</a> <a href="/john/5-14.htm">Afterwards</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Capernaum</a> <a href="/john/4-46.htm">Caper'na-Um</a> <a href="/john/8-7.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/john/3-13.htm">Descended</a> <a href="/john/2-17.htm">Disciples</a> <a href="/acts/1-5.htm">Few</a> <a href="/john/3-4.htm">Mother</a> <a href="/john/7-33.htm">Short</a> <a href="/john/2-19.htm">Three</a><div class="vheading2">John 2</div>1. <a href="/john/2-1.htm">Jesus turns water into wine;</a> 12. <a href="/john/2-12.htm">departs into Capernaum,</a> 13. <a href="/john/2-13.htm">and to Jerusalem,</a> 14. <a href="/john/2-14.htm">where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers.</a> 18. <a href="/john/2-18.htm">He foretells his death and resurrection.</a> 23. <a href="/john/2-23.htm">Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>After this This phrase indicates a transition from the previous events, specifically the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine. It marks the beginning of a new phase in Jesus' ministry.He went down to Capernaum Capernaum was a significant location in Jesus' ministry, often referred to as His "own city" (<a href="/matthew/9.htm">Matthew 9:1</a>). It was a prosperous fishing village on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee. The phrase "went down" reflects the geographical descent from the higher elevation of Cana to the lower elevation of Capernaum.with His mother and brothers and His disciples This indicates the close-knit group accompanying Jesus, including His family and followers. The mention of His "brothers" has been interpreted in various ways, with some suggesting they were His half-brothers or cousins. The presence of His disciples shows the early formation of His ministry team.and they stayed there a few days This brief stay in Capernaum suggests a period of rest or preparation before Jesus' public ministry intensifies. It highlights the itinerant nature of His ministry, moving from place to place. This time may have been used for teaching and building relationships with His followers.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> Central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who performs miracles and teaches about the Kingdom of God. 2. <a href="/topical/h/his_mother.htm">His Mother</a> Refers to Mary, the mother of Jesus, who plays a significant role in His early life and ministry. 3. <a href="/topical/h/his_brothers.htm">His Brothers</a> Likely refers to Jesus' half-brothers, the sons of Mary and Joseph, who are mentioned elsewhere in the Gospels. 4. <a href="/topical/h/his_disciples.htm">His Disciples</a> The followers of Jesus who are being trained and taught by Him to carry on His mission. 5. <a href="/topical/c/capernaum.htm">Capernaum</a> A town on the northwest shore of the Sea of Galilee, which becomes a central hub for Jesus' ministry.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_family_in_ministry.htm">The Importance of Family in Ministry</a> Jesus' journey to Capernaum with His family highlights the role of family in His life and ministry. It reminds us of the importance of involving our families in our spiritual journeys. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_capernaum_in_jesus'_ministry.htm">The Role of Capernaum in Jesus' Ministry</a> Capernaum serves as a strategic location for Jesus' ministry. This teaches us to be intentional about where we invest our time and resources for the Kingdom of God. <a href="/topical/t/the_development_of_faith_among_jesus'_brothers.htm">The Development of Faith Among Jesus' Brothers</a> Initially skeptical, Jesus' brothers eventually become believers. This transformation encourages us to be patient and prayerful for the spiritual growth of our own family members. <a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_community.htm">The Value of Community</a> Jesus travels with His disciples, emphasizing the importance of community and fellowship in spiritual growth and ministry.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 2</a> <a href="/q/is_marriage_honorable_for_all.htm">What did Jesus mean by 'My hour has not yet come'?</a> <a href="/q/does_jesus'_action_conflict_with_exodus_20_12.htm">Matthew 12:46-50: Does Jesus' apparent dismissal of his own mother and brothers conflict with the commandment to honor one's parents (Exodus 20:12)?</a> <a href="/q/what_challenges_the_'elect_lady'_identity.htm">What evidence challenges the identity of the 'elect lady' in 2 John 1:1--whether she is a metaphor for the church or a specific individual?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_plot_of_sons_of_thunder.htm">What is the plot of Sons of Thunder?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) After this he went down to Capernaum.--For the position of Capernaum comp. Note on <a href="/matthew/4-13.htm" title="And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelled in Capernaum, which is on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:">Matthew 4:13</a>. It was on the shore of the lake of Tiberias, and He must have gone "down" to it from any locality among the hills of Galilee. The words do not imply that they went to Capernaum direct from Cana. The "after this" allows of a return to Nazareth, and the mention of the "brethren" makes such a return probable. The place of this sojourn in the order of events belongs to the narrative of the earlier Gospels, and here, as elsewhere, questions which recur are treated when they are first mentioned. To deal with them on each occurrence would be to save the trouble of reference at the cost of much space; and this would be ill-saved; the spiritual profit arising from constant reference is one which no earnest student of the Gospels could desire to lose. He will wish to study every event in that life in every word which records it. (Comp. <a href="/matthew/4-13.htm" title="And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelled in Capernaum, which is on the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim:">Matthew 4:13</a> et seq., and <a href="/matthew/9-1.htm" title="And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.">Matthew 9:1</a>; <a href="/context/mark/3-21.htm" title="And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him: for they said, He is beside himself.">Mark 3:21-31</a>; <a href="/mark/6-3.htm" title="Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.">Mark 6:3</a>; <a href="/context/luke/4-16.htm" title="And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up: and, as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the sabbath day, and stood up for to read.">Luke 4:16-30</a>). For the "brethren of the Lord," see Note on <a href="/matthew/13-55.htm" title="Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary? and his brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?">Matthew 13:55</a>. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - After this he went down - from the high lands of Galilee to the borders of the Sea of Galilee, depressed as we now know it to be below the level of the Mediterranean - to Capernaum. Three competing sites for this small town have been advocated by Eastern travellers; all of them on the shore of the lake, all near to Bethsaida and Chorazin, in "the way of the sea," combining more or less the characteristics required by the New Testament narrative and the references in Josephus ('Bell. Jud.,' 3:10, 8). Keim is in favour of Khan, Minyeh; but there is no abundant spring such as Josephus describes, nor are there any ruins which indicate an extensive town. Caspari has argued in favour of Ain Mudawarah, a mile and a half to the west of Khan Minyeh, in which, though water is abundant, there are no remains of buildings. The old travellers, and the most recent explorations, have coincided in fixing on Tell-Hum as the site; and Dr. Farrar, Dr. Westcott, Major Wilson, incline to this conclusion. Abundant ruins are found there, and, what is more than probable, the remains of the very synagogue built by the Roman centurion, and one certainly dating back to the Herodian age. Tell-Hum, or "the Mound of Hum," is an easy corruption of the Caphar, or village of Nahum. He, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples. They may have returned home to Nazareth, though some recent commentators suggest that Cana had become the home of his family in late years. This is contradicted by the express statement of ch. 1:45, and the utter obliteration of the name of Cana from the synoptic narrative. We cannot identify this possible return to Nazareth with the account in <a href="/luke/4-16.htm">Luke 4:16-20</a>, because it assumes a previous period of activity in Capernaum, and further, because the commencement of Christ's public ministry is expressly made synchronous with the imprisonment of the Baptist (<a href="/matthew/4-12.htm">Matthew 4:12-15</a>), which did not take place till weeks or months afterwards (<a href="/john/3-24.htm">John 3:24</a>). Consequently, this journey to Capernaum preceded the journey to Jerusalem and the return to Nazareth, of which Matthew speaks. The fact that "the mother and brethren "of Jesus accompanied him, but not "the sisters," suggests what is implied in <a href="/mark/6-3.htm">Mark 6:3</a> that the sisters were married in Nazareth and in <a href="/mark/3-21.htm">Mark 3:21-23</a> that they did not accompany the non-believing brothers in their endeavour "to lay hold of him." The fact that Joseph is not mentioned induces the common assumption that he was already dead. Volumes have been written on "the brethren of Jesus." The determination of their parentage is one of the most perplexing points in the evangelic history. There are three hypotheses, which are alike beset with difficulties. (1) The view propounded by Helvidius in Rome, in the fourth century, and to which Jerome replied, that the "brothers" are brothers in the ordinary sense, children of Joseph and Mary. This supposition is sustained by the statement of <a href="/matthew/1-25.htm">Matthew 1:25</a> and <a href="/luke/2-7.htm">Luke 2:7</a>, each of which implies that the mother of our Lord had other children. The sentiment of the Church in favour of Mary's perpetual virginity, and in favour of the uniqueness of her maternity, has powerfully contested this supposition. Further, apart from any sentiment, it has been said that the Lord would not have commended the mother to the beloved disciple, if he had living brothers who had a previous claim. To this, however, it is replied that John, the son of Zebedee and Salome, may have been his near relative, if Salome were the sister of the Virgin; and also that, up to the time of the Ascension, there is no proof that the brethren believed in him, but the contrary. The effect of a special manifestation to James (<a href="/1_corinthians/15.htm">1 Corinthians 15</a>.) may have led to a general admission of the brethren, who are distinguished from, but yet with, the eleven apostles and the mother on the eve of the Ascension (<a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Acts 1:14</a>). (2) To obviate the difficulties of a sentimental kind, it was suggested by Jerome, and it has been often assumed since, that these brothers were in reality first cousins, not the children of Salome the sister of the Virgin, but of Mary the wife of Cleophas, who is supposed to be the sister of Mary the mother of Jesus (see ch. 20:25, note), and further that this Cleophas = Clopas = חַלְפִי = Alphaeus = Chalphai for the Aramaic guttural might be omitted as in Alphseus, or turned into κ or χ in Clopas, found in John's text. Jerome, however (Lightfoot), never referred to this confirmation of his theory; but it has been hence conjectured that James the son of Alphaeus was identical with the celebrated "James the brother of our Lord," mentioned in <a href="/acts/12-17.htm">Acts 12:17</a>; <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Acts 15:13</a>; <a href="/acts/21-18.htm">Acts 21:18</a>; in <a href="/galatians/1-19.htm">Galatians 1:19</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-9.htm">Galatians 2:9, 12</a>; and in ecclesiastical history. If, however, this James were the "son of Alphaeus," then Judas (<a href="/john/14-22.htm">John 14:22</a>) (not Iscariot) - "Judas of James" (<a href="/jude/1-1.htm">Jude 1:1</a>; Acts 1:13) - was also one of the "brethren;" also Joses and Simon, sons of Cleophas, were of their number; and some have gone further, and made Simon the Canaanite the other brother. This might possibly be the solution of the puzzle, if the entire theory did not break down under the clear distinction drawn in evangelic narrative between the twelve apostles and the brethren. E.g. in this passage they are discriminated from "disciples." In <a href="/john/7-5.htm">John 7:5</a> the "brethren" are said not to believe on the Lord. In <a href="/acts/1-14.htm">Acts 1:14</a> they are mentioned in addition to the apostles. Though in <a href="/galatians/1.htm">Galatians 1</a> and 2, James might seem from his great eminence to be classed with apostles in some wider sense, yet in <a href="/acts/15-13.htm">Acts 15:13</a>; <a href="/acts/21-18.htm">Acts 21:18</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-12.htm">Galatians 2:12</a> he seems to take precedence of all the apostles, at the Council of Jerusalem, and in presidency of the Church there. Moreover, the identification of Cleophas with Alphaeus is very doubtful. Clopas is Aramaic, Cleophas a Greek name; and the identification of his wife Mary with the sister of the Virgin is also very doubtful; while to have two sisters of the same name in the same family is highly improbable. We cannot believe, further, that so distinguished a man as James the brother of our Lord could have been designated as "James the Less" in the evangelic narrative (<a href="/mark/15-40.htm">Mark 15:40</a>). If the "cousin theory" holds, this must have been the case. Finally, "cousins" would hardly so persistently have been spoken of as brothers, and this would be still less likely if their mother was living. (3) The third hypothesis, which is the suggestion of Epiphanius, is that these brothers were the children of Joseph by a previous marriage, to whom the blessed Virgin had acted the part of mother. This is based on a legend of the apocryphal 'Protevang. of James' (ch. 9. and 17.), where Joseph speaks of his "sons." The theory saves the virginity of Mary, but sacrifices that of Joseph. Such a conclusion, in some ecclesiastic circles, is almost as unwelcome as the former. Against Jerome's hypothesis the greatest number of difficulties present themselves, and it must be abandoned. Therefore the choice really lies between that of Helvidius . . . <a href="/commentaries/john/2-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>After Μετὰ (Meta) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3326.htm">Strong's 3326: </a> (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives. this, τοῦτο (touto) Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3778.htm">Strong's 3778: </a> This; he, she, it. He went down κατέβη (katebē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2597.htm">Strong's 2597: </a> To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend. to εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Capernaum Καφαρναοὺμ (Kapharnaoum) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2584.htm">Strong's 2584: </a> Capernaum, a town of Galilee. Of Hebrew origin; Capernaum, a place in Palestine. [with] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. mother μήτηρ (mētēr) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3384.htm">Strong's 3384: </a> A mother. Apparently a primary word; a 'mother'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. brothers ἀδελφοὶ (adelphoi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. disciples, μαθηταὶ (mathētai) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3101.htm">Strong's 3101: </a> A learner, disciple, pupil. From manthano; a learner, i.e. Pupil. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they stayed ἔμειναν (emeinan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3306.htm">Strong's 3306: </a> To remain, abide, stay, wait; with acc: I wait for, await. A primary verb; to stay. there ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1563.htm">Strong's 1563: </a> (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. a few πολλὰς (pollas) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4183.htm">Strong's 4183: </a> Much, many; often. days. ἡμέρας (hēmeras) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2250.htm">Strong's 2250: </a> A day, the period from sunrise to sunset. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/2-12.htm">John 2:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/2-12.htm">NT Gospels: John 2:12 After this he went down to Capernaum (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/2-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 2:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 2:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/2-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 2:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 2:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>