Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Jesus’ reply to Mary was not so abrupt as it seems, for “woman” was a polite form of address (20:15). His statement probably means, “What business is that of ours?” Mary acknowledged that Jesus should act independently, and she confidently told the servants to follow his orders, fully expecting that he would take appropriate action. Jesus indicated that he was no longer under her authority but that he was living by a new pattern timed by the purpose of God. He would begin his miracles according to the purpose of his heavenly Father. The “time” (GK 6052) refers to the first hour when he manifested the real reason for which he came .