What is…
Cana

Meaning: reedy

a town of Galilee, near Capernaum

Here our Lord wrought his first miracle, the turning of water into wine (John 2:1-11; 4:46).

This town is not noted in the Old Testament, but only in the New, where it is also mentioned as the birthplace of the Apostle Nathanael (21:2). It is called “Cana of Galilee,” to distinguish it from Cana of Asher (Joshua 19:28).

It has been identified with the modern Kana el-Jelil, also called Khurbet Kana, a place 8 or 9 miles north of Nazareth.

Others have identified it with Kafr Kanna (Kefr Kenna), which lies on the direct road to the Sea of Galilee, about 5 miles northeast of Nazareth, and 12 in a direct course from Tiberias.

More information

• Miracles of the Bible
• Capernaum
• Nazareth
• Nathanael—a disciple