John 2:4

“Jesus saith unto her, woman, etc.] Calling her “woman”, as it was no ways contrary to her being a virgin, (<480404>Galatians 4:4), so it was no mark of disrespect; it being an usual way of speaking with the Jews, when they showed the greatest respect to the person spoken to; and was used by our Lord when he addressed his mother with the greatest tenderness, and strongest affection, (<431926>John 19:26). The Jews frequently object this passage to us Christians: one of their writers his objection in this manner f85 : “they (the Christians) say, the mother of Jesus is never called a woman their law; but here her son himself calls her a man.” Another puts it thus f86: “it is their (the…”

“Woman--no term of disrespect in the language of that day (Joh 19:26). what . . . to do with thee--that is, "In my Father's business I have to do with Him only." It was a gentle rebuke for officious interference, entering a region from which all creatures were excluded (compare Act 4:19-20). mine hour, &c.--hinting that He would do something, but at His own time; and so she understood it (Joh 2:5).”

“Woman - This term, as used here, seems to imply reproof, as if she was interfering in that which did not properly concern her; but 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. Compare also Matthew 15:28; John 4:21; 1 Corinthians 7:16. What have I to do with thee? - See the notes at Matthew 8:29. This expression is sometimes used to denote indignation or contempt. See Judges 11:12; 2 Samuel 16:10; 1 Kings 17:18. But it is not probable that it denoted either in this place;…”

“Jesus saith to her, Woman - So our Lord speaks also, Joh 19:26. It is probable this was the constant appellation which he used to her. He regarded his Father above all, not knowing even his mother after the flesh. What is it to me and thee? A mild reproof of her inordinate concern and untimely interposal. Mine hour is not yet come - The time of my working this miracle, or of my going away. May we not learn hence, if his mother was rebuked for attempting to direct him in the days of his flesh, how absurd it is to address her as if she had a right to command him, on the throne of his glory? Likewise how indecent it is for us to direct his supreme wisdom, as to the time or manner in which he…”

“2:4 Jesus initially distanced himself from the problem. His mission and its timing could not be set by a human agenda. • Jesus’ time (literally hour) would come in the future when he was glorified as he was lifted up on the cross (12:23; 17:1).”

“Woman: Joh 19:26, Joh 19:27, Joh 20:13, Joh 20:15; Mat 15:28 what: Deu 33:9; Sa2 16:10, Sa2 19:22; Luk 2:49; Co2 5:16; Gal 2:5, Gal 2:6 mine: Joh 7:6, Joh 7:30, Joh 8:20, Joh 12:23, Joh 13:1; Ecc 3:1 John 2:5”