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.
Modern Kafar Kanna—satellite view
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Article Version: June 3, 2019