John 2:9

KJV

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,

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} When {G5613} the ruler of the feast {G755} had tasted {G1089} the water {G5204} that was made {G1096} wine {G3631}, and {G2532} knew {G1492} not {G3756} whence {G4159} it was {G2076}:(but {G1161} the servants {G1249} which {G3588} drew {G501} the water {G5204} knew {G1492};) the governor of the feast {G755} called {G5455} the bridegroom {G3566},

Complete Jewish Bible

The man in charge tasted the water; it had now turned into wine! He did not know where it had come from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. So he called the bridegroom

Berean Standard Bible

and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine. He did not know where it was from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside

American Standard Version

And when the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and knew not whence it was (but the servants that had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast calleth the bridegroom,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
John 2:9 captures the immediate aftermath of Jesus's first public miracle at the wedding in Cana, where water was transformed into wine. It highlights the discerning palate of the ruler of the feast, who, unaware of the wine's supernatural origin, nevertheless recognized its superior quality. This verse starkly contrasts his ignorance with the servants' direct knowledge of the miracle, underscoring the authentic nature of Jesus's power and the unique insight granted to those who obey His commands.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the narrative found in [John 2:1-11](/john/2-1-11 "John 2:1-11 - The Wedding at Cana"). The passage opens with a wedding celebration in Cana of Galilee, where the hosts face the embarrassing situation of running out of wine. Jesus's mother, Mary, brings the predicament to His attention, prompting Jesus to instruct the servants to fill six large stone jars with water. The transformation of this water into wine is the central event, and verse 9 describes the crucial moment when the master of ceremonies tastes the miraculously produced beverage. This event is presented as Jesus's "first sign" ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus's First Sign")), serving to reveal His glory and solidify His disciples' faith. The immediate verses following this, [John 2:10-11](/john/2-10-11 "John 2:10-11 - The Master's Praise and Disciples' Belief"), detail the ruler's commendation of the wine and the disciples' subsequent belief, reinforcing the impact of the miracle.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Weddings in ancient Israel were significant social and religious events, often lasting several days (typically seven). Wine was an essential component of these celebrations, symbolizing joy, abundance, and blessing. Running out of wine would have brought immense shame and dishonor upon the host family, a profound social faux pas. The "ruler of the feast" (ἀρχιτρίκλινος, _architríklinos_), also translated as "master of the banquet" or "governor of the feast," was a respected and knowledgeable individual responsible for overseeing the entire event, including the quality of the food and drink. His role was not merely ceremonial but practical, ensuring the smooth running of the celebration and the satisfaction of the guests. His unbiased assessment of the wine's quality, therefore, carried significant weight and served as an objective validation of the miracle. The stone jars mentioned in [John 2:6](/john/2-6 "John 2:6 - Stone Jars for Purification") were typically used for Jewish purification rites, holding a substantial amount of water (twenty to thirty gallons each), emphasizing the abundance of the transformation.

* **Key Themes:** John 2:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the Gospel of John. Firstly, it powerfully establishes Jesus's **divine power and authority** over creation, demonstrating His ability to transcend natural laws. This miracle is presented as a "sign" ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus's First Sign")), a recurring motif in John that points beyond the immediate event to Jesus's true identity as the Son of God. Secondly, the contrast between the ruler's ignorance and the servants' knowledge highlights the theme of **revelation and perception**. Those who are humble and obedient (the servants) are privy to divine workings, while those focused on worldly expertise (the ruler) may experience the blessing without understanding its source. Thirdly, the transformation of water (associated with Old Covenant purification rites) into new, superior wine **foreshadows the New Covenant** inaugurated by Christ, which offers a greater, more abundant reality than the old. This echoes themes found in passages like [Luke 5:37-39](/luke/5-37-39 "Luke 5:37-39 - New Wine in New Wineskins"), where Jesus speaks of new wine requiring new wineskins, signifying the incompatibility of His new teaching with old religious forms. Finally, the abundance and superior quality of the wine signify the **superabundant grace and provision** that Jesus brings, a theme further developed in [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Abundant Life") where Jesus declares His purpose to give life, and give it abundantly.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tasted (Greek, _geúomai'_):** This verb signifies not merely a superficial sampling but a genuine, sensory experience of the wine. The ruler of the feast, an expert in such matters, fully engaged his palate. This act of "tasting" is crucial because it validates the quality of the wine from an objective, human perspective, confirming that it was indeed excellent wine, not merely a placebo or illusion. Figuratively, _geúomai_ can also mean to "experience," suggesting that the ruler experienced the miraculous provision, even without comprehending its source.
* **made (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb is central to the miracle, indicating that the water "became" or "came into being" as wine. It denotes a transformative act, a change of state from one substance to another. The word implies a divine generative power, not a natural process of fermentation. The water did not gradually turn into wine; it was instantly "made" wine by Jesus's power, highlighting the supernatural and instantaneous nature of the miracle.
* **knew (Greek, _eídō'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, points to knowledge gained through perception or experience. The ruler "knew not whence it was," indicating his ignorance of the wine's origin, despite his knowledge of its quality. In contrast, the servants "knew" because they had directly witnessed Jesus's command and their own act of filling the jars with water. This stark contrast emphasizes that true understanding of divine workings often comes through direct participation and obedience, rather than mere observation or worldly expertise.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine,"**: This clause sets the scene for the critical assessment. The "ruler of the feast" (ἀρχιτρίκλινος, _architríklinos_) is the designated master of ceremonies, whose role includes ensuring the quality of the banquet. His tasting of the transformed water is the moment of objective validation for the miracle. The phrase "water that was made wine" succinctly describes the miraculous transformation, emphasizing that the wine's origin was not natural but a direct result of a divine act.
* **"and knew not whence it was:"**: This part highlights the ruler's ignorance regarding the source of the superior wine. Despite his expertise in discerning quality, he was completely unaware that it had been water moments before. His lack of knowledge underscores the authenticity of the miracle, as his positive assessment was unbiased by any prior understanding of its origin. This ignorance also serves to emphasize the hidden nature of Jesus's power to those who are not directly involved or receptive.
* **"(but the servants which drew the water knew;)"**: This parenthetical clause provides a crucial contrast. While the ruler remained ignorant of the wine's origin, the servants who had obeyed Jesus's command to fill the jars with water were fully aware of the miraculous transformation. Their direct involvement and obedience granted them a unique insight into Jesus's power, emphasizing that those who humbly serve and follow Christ's instructions are often privileged to witness and understand His divine workings more intimately.
* **"the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,"**: Following his positive assessment, the ruler of the feast summoned the bridegroom. This action precedes his commendation of the wine in the subsequent verse, setting up the dialogue where the bridegroom is praised for saving the best wine for last, entirely unaware that he himself had nothing to do with its production. This further highlights the irony and the hidden nature of Jesus's glory to those outside His immediate circle of obedient followers.

#### Literary Devices
John 2:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically between the ruler of the feast's ignorance and the servants' knowledge. This contrast is central to the verse's meaning, highlighting that while the miracle's effect (superior wine) was evident to all, its source was known only to those who had participated in humble obedience. This creates a powerful **Irony**, as the expert connoisseur, whose role is to know and manage every detail of the feast, is completely oblivious to the greatest marvel occurring under his nose, while the lowly servants are fully aware. This irony serves to underscore the divine nature of the miracle, which transcends human understanding and conventional expectations. The wine itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical joy and abundance, but also the new covenant and the superior blessings brought by Christ, surpassing the old. The ruler's commendation of the "new" wine, though he doesn't know its origin, also subtly **Foreshadows** the world's general reception of Jesus—experiencing His blessings and impact, yet often failing to recognize Him as their divine source.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
John 2:9 serves as a foundational theological statement, revealing Jesus's divine power and His role in inaugurating a new era of God's redemptive work. The transformation of water into wine is not merely a display of omnipotence but a symbolic act signifying the superiority and abundance of the New Covenant over the Old. Just as the water of purification rites is transformed into the wine of celebration, so too does Jesus bring a richer, more joyful, and fulfilling reality than the rituals and laws of the past. This miracle foreshadows the spiritual transformation Jesus offers, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary, and providing a superabundant supply of grace and truth. It also emphasizes the principle that divine revelation is often granted to the humble and obedient, those who are willing to participate in God's plan even when they don't fully comprehend it.

* [Amos 9:13](/amos/9-13 "Amos 9:13 - Prophecy of Abundant Wine")
* [Isaiah 25:6](/isaiah/25-6 "Isaiah 25:6 - A Feast of Rich Food and Aged Wine")
* [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
John 2:9 invites us to reflect on the nature of God's provision and our posture towards His miraculous work. The ruler of the feast, though a discerning expert, experienced the miracle without truly understanding its source. In contrast, the servants, through their simple obedience, gained profound insight. This challenges us to consider whether we are merely beneficiaries of God's blessings or active participants in His work, seeking to understand His ways. The verse encourages us to trust in Jesus's ability to transform our ordinary circumstances into something abundant and extraordinary, even when the "how" remains a mystery to us. It reminds us that true understanding often comes not through intellectual prowess alone, but through humble obedience and a willingness to step out in faith, even if it means filling jars with water without knowing the ultimate purpose. We are called to be like the servants, ready to follow Christ's instructions, for it is in such obedience that we often gain the clearest vision of His glory and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you waiting for Jesus to transform the "water" into "wine"?**
* **How does the contrast between the ruler's ignorance and the servants' knowledge challenge your own understanding of how God reveals Himself?**
* **What "jars of water" is Jesus asking you to fill in obedience, even if you don't yet see the full purpose?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "ruler of the feast" and why is his reaction significant?**

Answer: The "ruler of the feast" (Greek: ἀρχιτρίκλινος, _architríklinos_) was the master of ceremonies or the banquet director at a wedding or large social gathering. His role was to oversee all aspects of the feast, including the quality of the food and drink, ensuring everything ran smoothly and honorably. His reaction in [John 2:9](/john/2-9 "John 2:9 - Ruler Tastes the Wine") is highly significant because he was an unbiased, experienced connoisseur. His commendation of the wine's superior quality, despite his complete ignorance of its miraculous origin, serves as an objective, independent testimony to the authenticity and excellence of Jesus's first sign. His unawareness underscores that the transformation was not a trick or an illusion, but a genuine, supernatural act.

**Why did the servants know the origin of the wine, but the ruler did not?**

Answer: The servants knew the origin of the wine because they were directly involved in the miracle. Jesus had instructed them to fill the six large stone jars with water ([John 2:7](/john/2-7 "John 2:7 - Jesus Instructs the Servants")), and they had personally drawn the water and filled the jars. They were eyewitnesses to the process leading up to the transformation. The ruler of the feast, on the other hand, was only presented with the finished product. This contrast highlights a key theme: those who are humble and obedient to Jesus's commands, even without fully understanding the outcome, are often privileged to witness and comprehend His divine workings more intimately than those who are merely observers or rely on worldly wisdom.

**What is the significance of this being Jesus's first miracle?**

Answer: This miracle at Cana, explicitly called Jesus's "first sign" in [John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Jesus's First Sign"), is profoundly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it publicly reveals Jesus's divine power and glory, demonstrating His authority over creation. Secondly, it serves as a catalyst for His disciples' faith, causing them to believe in Him ([John 2:11](/john/2-11 "John 2:11 - Disciples Believe")). Thirdly, it is rich in theological symbolism, foreshadowing the abundance and superiority of the New Covenant that Jesus would inaugurate. The transformation of water (often associated with Old Testament purification rites) into new, superior wine symbolizes the transition from the old covenant's rituals to the new covenant's spiritual reality, marked by joy, grace, and life in Christ. It sets the tone for Jesus's ministry as one that brings transformation, abundance, and a new order.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The miracle at Cana, culminating in the ruler's unwitting praise of the transformed wine in [John 2:9](/john/2-9 "John 2:9 - Ruler Tastes the Wine"), profoundly points to Christ as the fulfillment of God's promises and the source of ultimate joy. Just as the wedding feast lacked wine, humanity, under the Old Covenant, lacked the true and abundant life that only Jesus could provide. The water, often symbolizing the purification rituals and the Law of the Old Covenant, is transformed by Jesus into wine, representing the new covenant of grace and truth. This transformation signifies that Jesus does not merely amend the old, but completely renews and elevates it, offering something far superior. He is the true "vine" ([John 15:1](/john/15-1 "John 15:1 - Jesus, the True Vine")), the source of spiritual life and fruitfulness. His provision is not just sufficient, but superabundant, exceeding all expectations, as seen in the quantity and quality of the wine. This miracle foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ on the cross, where His blood, the "new wine" of the covenant ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")), provides cleansing, forgiveness, and eternal life. In Him, the joy that was lacking is restored, and the celebration of God's presence is made complete and eternal. He is the one who turns the ordinary into the extraordinary, the insufficient into the overflowing, revealing His glory and inviting all to partake in the abundant life He offers ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - 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 4:46

So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

John 7:17

If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or [whether] I speak of myself.

Psalms 119:100

I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.