It is possible that the words Can anything good come from Nazareth? was a proverb used by the people of Cana in reference to the nearby town of Nazareth (note that Nathanael was from Cana, 21.2). On the other hand, it is thought by some scholars that the real focus of attention is Galilee, rather than Nazareth in particular (see 7.41,52). In either case the words reflect the form of a proverb and are best translated with this idea in mind.

In this type of context “good” refers not to moral behavior, but to “beneficial event.” It is the equivalent in some languages to “Can anything helpful come out of Nazareth?” or “Can anything which is of benefit to people happen because of anyone from Nazareth?”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .