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Mother's Day, Out?
Was Jesus Rude to His Mother in John 2:4?
James Patrick Holding
John 2:4 "Dear woman, why do you involve me?" Jesus replied. "My time has not yet come."
Critics often accuse Jesus of being rude to his mother here; however, as parallel phrases in Greek literature show, this is not a phrase of derision or rudeness but of loving respect (as our NIV correctly captures). Consider this relevant data:
- The term here is "Jesus' normal, public way of addressing
women" (John 4:21, 8:10, 19:26, 20:31; Mt. 15:28; Lk. 13:12). It is
also a common address in Greek literature, and never has the intent
of disrespect or hostility. [Brow.GJ, 99].
- The same term is used in Josephus Antiquities 17.17 by
Pheroras to summon his beloved wife. [Beas.J, 34]
- As for the second part of the response, it reads literally:
"What to me and to you?" This is a Semitic phrase that indicates
that the speaker is being unjustly bothered or is being
asked to get involved in a matter that is not their business. It
can be impolite, but not always. (cf. 2 Kings 3:13, Hos.
14:8) [Brow.GJ, 117] The intent must be determined by the context,
and the first part of Jesus' saying does point to the latter
intent.
Malina and Rohrbaugh [Social-Science commentary, 299] add that such implication of distance was in fact quite proper in a society where men were expected to break the maternal bonds by a certain age. Jesus' reaction is entirely respectful and appropriate in this context.
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