Introduction: The Mother Was There
The clause καὶ ἦν ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐκεῖ appears understated, yet its grammatical structure offers insightful narrative and theological signals. The use of ἦν {ēn}, the imperfect tense of εἰμί, and the adverb ἐκεῖ {ekeī}, meaning “there,” produces a sense of continued, established presence.
This clause is not just background information—it’s a scene-setting device that positions Jesus’ mother at the center of what is about to unfold. The grammar is deliberate and loaded with narrative sensitivity.
Καὶ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ τῇ τρίτῃ γάμος ἐγένετο ἐν Κανὰ τῆς Γαλιλαίας, καὶ ἦν ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ ἐκεῖ.
In this lesson, we’ll explore the verb ἦν (the imperfect active indicative of εἰμί) and how it works with ἐκεῖ (“there”) to communicate durative presence, narrative positioning, and theological resonance. The imperfect form here doesn’t just mean “was”—it marks continued presence and carries subtle narrative emphasis.
Morphological Breakdown of ἦν… ἐκεῖ
- ἦν {ēn} –
Root: εἰμί {eimi};
Form: imperfect active indicative, 3rd person singular;
Tense: imperfect (continuous or durative past);
Voice: active;
Mood: indicative (simple assertion);
Translation: “was”;
Notes: In narrative, the imperfect suggests ongoing or background presence, not a punctiliar event. - ἐκεῖ {ekeī} –
Form: adverb of place;
Meaning: “there”;
Function: locative adverb identifying where the subject ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ was present;
Notes: Its final placement in the clause gives it emphatic force—Mary’s presence at that place is underlined.
Syntactical Analysis: Imperfect Verb + Locative Adverb
The syntax of ἦν… ἐκεῖ places the verb in the imperfect tense before the locative adverb ἐκεῖ. This construction is simple but powerful:
– Subject: ἡ μήτηρ τοῦ Ἰησοῦ
– Verb: ἦν
– Adverbial modifier: ἐκεῖ
The imperfect tense indicates that Mary was not simply momentarily present, but already there, or remaining there. The placement of ἐκεῖ at the end lends it discourse prominence—drawing the reader’s attention to the location as important.
Semantic and Theological Implications of the Imperfect “ἦν”
The verb εἰμί is often the quiet servant of Greek grammar, but here its tense (imperfect) implies several layers:
– Durative presence: Mary was not arriving or leaving—she was present and established.
– Narrative positioning: She is already on the scene before Jesus is introduced, suggesting her proximity to the sign that is about to occur.
Theologically, the Evangelist may be preparing the way for:
– Mary’s initiating role in the Cana narrative (John 2:3–5),
– Her awareness of the situation, and
– Her symbolic presence as a figure of Israel or the Church, depending on interpretive angle.
Literary and Discourse Significance
In Johannine narrative, location and presence matter. The use of ἦν… ἐκεῖ achieves several literary goals:
– It sets Mary as part of the scene before Jesus enters the narrative action.
– It highlights her as a silent but essential participant in the forthcoming sign.
– It gives narrative continuity and slows the pace—a common Johannine strategy to create anticipation.
The simple imperfect becomes a device of timing and tension, reminding the reader that the sign is about to unfold where she already is.
“She Was There”: Presence Before the Miracle
In just three words—ἦν ἡ μήτηρ… ἐκεῖ—John signals that before any sign, any command, or any miracle, there was presence. The grammar emphasizes duration, subtle anticipation, and spiritual preparedness.
The imperfect ἦν places Mary not just in time, but in position—ready, present, and central to what is about to begin: the revelation of glory through the signs of the Messiah.
