Albert Barnes Commentary John 2:4

"And Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come." — John 2:4 (ASV)

Woman. This term, as used here, seems to imply reproof, as if she were interfering in what did not properly concern her. However, it is evident that no such reproof or disrespect was intended by the use of the term woman instead of mother. It is the same term by which He tenderly addressed Mary Magdalene after His resurrection (John 20:15) and His mother when He was on the cross (John 19:26). (John 4:21; 1 Corinthians 7:16).

What have I to do with thee? (John 2:4). See the notes on Matthew 8:29 for this expression.

This expression is sometimes used to denote indignation or contempt (2 Samuel 16:10; 1 Kings 17:18).

But it is not probable that the expression denoted either indignation or contempt in this instance. If it did, it was a mild reproof of Mary for attempting to control or direct Him in His power of working miracles. Most of the ancient commentators supposed this to be the intention of Jesus.

The words sound harsh to us, but they might have been spoken in a tender manner and not have been intended as a reproof.

It is clear that He did not intend to refuse to provide wine, but only to delay it a little. The design was, therefore, to compose Mary’s anxiety and to prevent her from being solicitous about it.

It may, then, be expressed thus:

"My mother, do not be anxious. This should not be a matter of solicitude for you and for me. The proper time for My intervening has not yet come. When that time comes, I will provide a supply, and in the meantime, neither you nor I should be solicitous."

Thus understood, it is so far from being a harsh reproof that it was a mild exhortation for her to dismiss her fears and to put proper trust in Him.

Mine hour, etc. (John 2:4). This means My time, the proper time for My intervening.

Perhaps the wine was not yet entirely exhausted. The wine had begun to fail, but He would not work a miracle until it was entirely gone, so that the miracle might be free from all possibility of suspicion.

It does not mean that the proper time for His working a miracle or entering on His public work had not come, but rather that the proper time for His intervening in that situation had not yet arrived.