John 2:8

KJV

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare [it].

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} he saith {G3004} unto them {G846}, Draw out {G501} now {G3568}, and {G2532} bear {G5342} unto the governor of the feast {G755}. And {G2532} they bare {G5342} it.

Complete Jewish Bible

He said, “Now draw some out, and take it to the man in charge of the banquet”; and they took it.

Berean Standard Bible

“Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,

American Standard Version

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:8 captures a pivotal moment in Jesus's first public miracle, the transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana. Following His directive to the servants to fill six stone jars with water, this verse records Jesus's subsequent command to "Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast." This instruction signals the completion of the miraculous transformation and initiates the public verification of the new wine's quality, setting the stage for the revelation of Jesus's glory and the strengthening of His disciples' faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the wedding at Cana narrative, which spans [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "The Wedding at Cana"). It immediately follows Jesus's instruction to the servants to fill the large stone waterpots to the brim with water ([John 2:7](/john/2-7 "Servants Fill the Waterpots")). The command in [John 2:8](/john/2-8 "Jesus Commands the Servants") serves as the crucial bridge between the preparatory act of filling the jars and the subsequent tasting and commendation of the miraculously transformed wine by the master of the feast ([John 2:9-10](/john/2-9-10 "The Governor's Commendation")). The entire episode culminates in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "Jesus Manifests His Glory"), where John explicitly states that this was Jesus's first sign, revealing His glory and leading His disciples to believe in Him.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Israel were significant social and familial events, often lasting several days. The running out of wine, as occurred in [John 2:3](/john/2-3 "The Wine Runs Out"), would have brought immense shame and embarrassment upon the host family, highlighting a potential social catastrophe. The "governor of the feast" (ἀρχιτρίκλινος, _architríklinos_) was a crucial figure, responsible for overseeing the banquet, ensuring proper etiquette, and, critically, managing the food and drink. His role as a discerning judge of quality makes his later praise of the wine ([John 2:10](/john/2-10 "The Governor's Praise")) an unbiased and powerful testimony to the miracle. The stone waterpots mentioned in [John 2:6](/john/2-6 "Stone Waterpots for Purification") were typically used for Jewish purification rites, adding a layer of symbolic significance to Jesus's use of them for the miracle, subtly hinting at a new form of purification or a new covenant.
* **Key Themes:** The narrative of the wedding at Cana, including [John 2:8](/john/2-8 "Jesus's Command to Draw Out"), contributes to several overarching themes in John's Gospel. **Divine Transformation** is central, illustrating Jesus's power to supernaturally alter reality, foreshadowing His ability to bring spiritual transformation to human lives. **Jesus's Authority and Glory** are unequivocally demonstrated, as His simple command results in a profound miracle, marking the beginning of His public ministry and revealing His divine identity, as emphasized in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "Jesus Manifests His Glory"). The **Abundance and Superiority** of God's provision are also highlighted, as the wine produced was not merely sufficient but of exceptional quality and quantity, surpassing the original supply ([John 2:10](/john/2-10 "The Governor's Commendation")). Finally, the **Importance of Obedience** is subtly yet powerfully conveyed through the servants' unquestioning compliance with Jesus's instructions, which was essential for the miracle's manifestation and verification.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith (Greek, _légō'_):** From G3004, a primary verb meaning to "lay" forth, i.e., relate in words, usually of systematic or set discourse; by implication, to mean. Here, it signifies Jesus's authoritative and deliberate verbal instruction, not a mere suggestion. His words carry inherent power and intention, initiating the next phase of the miracle.
* **Draw out (Greek, _antléō'_):** From G501, meaning to bale up (properly, bilge water), i.e., dip water (with a bucket, pitcher, etc.). This verb indicates the physical act of scooping or drawing liquid from a container. In this context, it implies that the transformation from water to wine has already occurred within the jars, and the command is simply to retrieve what is now wine.
* **bear (Greek, _phérō'_):** From G5342, a primary verb meaning to "bear" or carry (in a very wide application, literally and figuratively). This word denotes the action of transporting something from one place to another. Here, it refers to the servants carrying the newly transformed wine from the waterpots to the governor of the feast, completing the cycle of obedience and enabling the miracle's public verification.
* **governor of the feast (Greek, _architríklinos'_):** From G755, derived from ἀρχή (chief) and a compound of τρεῖς (three) and κλίνω (a dinner-bed, because composed of three couches). This title refers to the director or chief steward of the entertainment at a banquet. This individual was responsible for the entire management of the feast, including the quality of the provisions. His position lends credibility and impartiality to his assessment of the wine's quality.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he saith unto them":** This phrase establishes Jesus as the speaker and the servants as the recipients of His direct command. It highlights Jesus's initiative and authority in orchestrating the miracle, even after His initial reluctance expressed to Mary.
* **"Draw out now":** This imperative command signifies urgency and immediate action. The word "now" (νῦν, _nŷn_) emphasizes that the transformation has already taken place, and the servants are to access the miraculous provision without delay. It requires an act of faith from the servants, as they are drawing from jars they had just filled with ordinary water.
* **"and bear unto the governor of the feast":** This second imperative command specifies the destination and purpose of the action. The wine is to be presented to the master of ceremonies, the one whose role it is to taste and approve the quality of the provisions. This step is crucial for the public validation of the miracle, as an impartial and authoritative figure will confirm the wine's excellence.
* **"And they bare [it].":** This concise concluding statement affirms the servants' immediate and unquestioning obedience. Their simple act of carrying the liquid to the governor, without knowing its true nature or the miracle's full scope, is a testament to their faith and compliance, which enables the unfolding of Jesus's glory.

#### Literary Devices
John's Gospel employs several literary devices in this passage to convey its profound theological truths. **Narrative Economy** is evident in the concise reporting of the servants' obedience: "And they bare [it]." This brevity emphasizes the swiftness and completeness of their compliance, highlighting that their simple act was sufficient for the miracle's public manifestation. **Dramatic Irony** is powerfully present, as the "governor of the feast" tastes the miraculously created wine and commends its quality, completely unaware of its divine origin or the true identity of the one who provided it ([John 2:9-10](/john/2-9-10 "The Governor's Commendation")). This irony underscores Jesus's hidden glory and the limited human understanding of His power. Furthermore, the use of stone waterpots, typically associated with Jewish purification rites, introduces **Symbolism**. Jesus transforms water used for ceremonial cleansing into wine, a symbol of joy and celebration, subtly foreshadowing a new covenant and a new, superior form of spiritual purification and abundant life that He would bring.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:8 is not merely a description of a physical act but a profound theological statement about Jesus's identity and mission. The command to "draw out" implies that the miracle has already occurred by Jesus's word alone, demonstrating His inherent divine power and authority over creation. This transformation of water into wine, a symbol of joy and new life, points to Jesus's ability to bring about spiritual renewal and abundance, surpassing the limitations of the old covenant. It signifies the inauguration of a new era where God's provision is not just sufficient but superabundant and of the highest quality, reflecting the lavish grace of God. The servants' obedience, even when the command seemed illogical, underscores the principle that faith-filled action is often the conduit through which God's power is revealed.

* [Isaiah 55:1](/isaiah/55-1 "God's Invitation to Abundant Life")
* [John 4:14](/john/4-14 "Jesus Offers Living Water")
* [Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief but powerful command in John 2:8 calls us to consider our own posture of obedience in the face of God's instructions. Just as the servants were asked to draw out from jars they had just filled with water, we too may be asked to act in ways that seem counter-intuitive or beyond our immediate understanding. This narrative teaches us that our willingness to obey, even in the smallest and seemingly most illogical steps, is often the very catalyst for God's miraculous work to be revealed in our lives and circumstances. It reminds us that God's timing and methods are perfect, and our role is to trust and act. When we obey, we create space for His power to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, bringing forth spiritual abundance and demonstrating His glory not only to us but also to those around us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life is God calling you to an act of "drawing out" or "bearing" that requires simple, unquestioning obedience, even if you don't fully understand the outcome?**
* **How does the servants' immediate obedience in John 2:8 challenge your own tendency to hesitate or question when God's commands seem illogical?**
* **What "ordinary water" in your life or circumstances might Jesus be waiting to transform into "fine wine" if you are willing to act in faith and obedience?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for the "governor of the feast" to taste the wine?**

Answer: It was critically important for the "governor of the feast" (ἀρχιτρίκλινος, _architríklinos_) to taste the wine because he was the chief steward and master of ceremonies, responsible for overseeing the entire banquet and ensuring the quality of the provisions. His role made him an impartial and authoritative judge. His commendation of the wine's superior quality in [John 2:10](/john/2-10 "The Governor's Praise of the Wine") served as an unbiased, external validation of the miracle. This public, expert testimony removed any doubt that the wine was genuinely exceptional, thus confirming Jesus's power and glory to the disciples and others present. Had a servant or a disciple tasted it first, their testimony might have been dismissed as biased.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle at Cana, encapsulated in Jesus's command in [John 2:8](/john/2-8 "Jesus Commands the Servants"), is a profound Christ-centered sign. It foreshadows Jesus's ultimate work of transformation, moving from the old covenant's ceremonial purification (symbolized by the waterpots) to the new covenant's abundant grace and spiritual reality. Just as water, a common element, was transformed into the finest wine, so too does Christ transform human lives, replacing our spiritual emptiness and insufficiency with His overflowing grace and joy. He is the true "governor of the feast," not merely providing for a temporary celebration, but orchestrating the eternal banquet of salvation. This act points to Jesus as the one who brings true joy and abundance, far surpassing the temporary provisions of the world. It anticipates the "new wine" of the Gospel, which cannot be contained by "old wineskins" ([Matthew 9:17](/matthew/9-17 "New Wine, New Wineskins")), and ultimately culminates in the joyous "marriage supper of the Lamb" ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), where Christ Himself is the ultimate provision and the source of eternal celebration. His glory, first revealed in this humble Galilean wedding, is fully manifested in His death and resurrection, offering abundant life to all who believe ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus Offers Abundant Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 2:9

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Proverbs 3:6

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Romans 13:7

¶ Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute [is due]; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

Ecclesiastes 9:6

Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion for ever in any [thing] that is done under the sun.