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,

{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},

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

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

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

John 2:9 describes a pivotal moment in Jesus's first miracle at the wedding in Cana of Galilee. The verse focuses on the reaction of the "ruler of the feast" (also translated as "master of the banquet" or "governor"), who tastes the miraculously made wine without knowing its true origin, in stark contrast to the servants who had witnessed the transformation.

Context of John 2:9

This verse is part of the narrative found in John 2:1-11, detailing Jesus's first public miracle. A wedding celebration in Cana ran out of wine, a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts. Jesus's mother, Mary, informed Him of the predicament, and Jesus, after an initial response, instructed the servants to fill six large stone jars with water. It is this water that Jesus transformed into wine, and verse 9 highlights the immediate aftermath of this divine act as the wine is served.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Power and Glory: The instantaneous transformation of water into high-quality wine unequivocally demonstrates Jesus's supernatural power and control over creation. This miracle was not merely a convenience but a sign designed to reveal His glory, leading His disciples to believe in Him.
  • Authenticity of the Miracle: The ruler of the feast, an experienced connoisseur, recognized the wine's superior quality but was completely unaware of its miraculous origin. This ignorance on his part underscores the genuine and unexplainable nature of the event from a natural perspective, contrasting sharply with the servants' direct knowledge.
  • The Role of Obedience: The servants' obedience in filling the jars with water, despite not understanding the purpose, was crucial. Their knowledge ("but the servants which drew the water knew") highlights that those who are obedient to Christ's commands often gain unique insights into His workings.
  • Abundance and Superiority: The wine produced by Jesus was not just sufficient; it was of exceptional quality, described as better than what had been served initially. This foreshadows the abundance and superiority of God's provisions through Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The term "ruler of the feast" or "governor of the feast" translates the Greek word architriklinos (ἀρχιτρίκλινος). This individual was the master of ceremonies, responsible for the organization, tasting, and overall management of the banquet. His unbiased assessment of the wine's quality, despite his ignorance of its source, serves as an objective testimony to the miracle's authenticity.

Practical Application

John 2:9 reminds us that Jesus has the power to transform ordinary situations into something extraordinary and abundant. Just as He turned water into wine, He can bring joy, provision, and new life into our circumstances. The passage also emphasizes the value of humble obedience, as the servants who simply followed instructions were privileged to witness and understand the miracle more fully than the esteemed banquet master. It encourages us to trust in Jesus's ability to provide, even when we don't fully understand His methods, and to be attentive to His instructions.

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Cross-References

  • John 4:46 (6 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (1 votes)

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