"Woman” and/or “Mother"? An Examination of the Address γύναι in John 2:4 and 19:26

The Johannine Jesus addresses his mother using the vocative γύναι/“woman” at the wedding at Cana (2:4) and at the Cross (19:26). Scholars are divided over the precise implications of a son addressing his mother as γύναι, since no clear parallels exist in Greek literature. This paper examines how the evangelist’s reference to Jesus’ mother as μήτηρ and Jesus’ own address to her as γύναι function within these narratives, suggesting that they construct a dual identity for Jesus’ mother. Examples drawn from 4 Maccabees help to illuminate the implications of γυνή and μήτηρ when used in reference to a mother. In addition, the study engages documentary papyri that attest to instances in which a mother is addressed as κυρία, thereby challenging the assumption that maternal address was restricted to the term μῆτερ alone.