New Evidence Suggests True Site of Jesus’ Water-to-Wine Miracle Uncovered

A historian’s recent discovery challenges long-held beliefs about the site of Jesus Christ’s first miracle—turning water into wine. Tom McCollough, a retired professor of religion and history, claims the true location is not Kafr Kanna, a traditional pilgrimage site in Galilee, but Khirbet Qana, a Jewish village five miles north, active from 323 B.C. to 324 A.D.

The Gospel of John describes Jesus performing the miracle at a wedding in Cana, using six stone jars for ceremonial washing. McCollough’s excavations at Khirbet Qana uncovered a Christian veneration cave complex, used by pilgrims from the late fifth century through the Crusader period. Crosses, inscriptions of ‘Kyrie Iesou’ (Lord Jesus), and an altar with a shelf for a stone vessel—potentially one of the six—support his claim.

McCollough argues that Khirbet Qana aligns with historical references from first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus and matches the Gospel’s depiction of a Jewish village near the Sea of Galilee. He questions Kafr Kanna’s status, noting it only became a pilgrimage site in the 18th century, possibly due to Franciscan efforts prioritizing accessibility over accuracy.

This discovery adds to the growing body of archaeological evidence supporting biblical accounts. McCollough suggests his findings could prompt a reevaluation of the historical reliability of John’s Gospel, portraying Cana as a key base for Jesus’ ministry. As excavations continue worldwide, from Jerusalem to Megiddo, such discoveries deepen our understanding of the Bible’s historical context.