John 2:9 Study Bible: When the ruler of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (but the servants who had drawn the water knew), the ruler of the feast called the bridegroom,

◄ John 2:9 ►

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

Study Bible

And the master of the banquet
The "master of the banquet" refers to the individual responsible for overseeing the feast, ensuring that everything runs smoothly. In the Greek, this role is often referred to as "architriklinos," which indicates a position of authority and responsibility. Historically, this person would have been well-respected and knowledgeable about the quality of food and drink. This highlights the significance of the miracle, as the transformation of water into wine was recognized by someone with expertise.

tasted the water that had been turned into wine
The act of tasting signifies a moment of revelation and transformation. The Greek word for "tasted" is "geuomai," which implies experiencing something fully. The miraculous change from water to wine symbolizes the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. This miracle, occurring at a wedding, also foreshadows the new covenant and the joy and abundance found in Christ.

He did not know where it had come from
This phrase emphasizes the mystery and divine nature of the miracle. The master of the banquet's ignorance of the source of the wine underscores the hidden work of God, often unnoticed by those not directly involved. It reflects the theme of divine intervention in ordinary circumstances, a hallmark of Jesus' earthly ministry.

though the servants who had drawn the water knew
The servants' awareness of the miracle highlights the theme of revelation to the humble and lowly. In the Greek, "servants" is "diakonoi," which can also mean ministers or deacons, suggesting that those who serve are often the first to witness God's work. This aligns with the biblical principle that God reveals Himself to those with a servant's heart.

Then he called the bridegroom aside
The calling of the bridegroom signifies a moment of recognition and honor. In the cultural context, the bridegroom was responsible for providing the wine, and the master of the banquet's commendation would have been a significant social endorsement. This act also symbolizes the role of Jesus as the ultimate Bridegroom, providing abundantly for His people. The Greek word "phōneō," meaning "called," implies a summoning or invitation, reflecting the invitation to partake in the blessings of the new covenant.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Master of the Banquet
The individual responsible for overseeing the wedding feast, ensuring everything is in order. He is unaware of the miracle that has occurred.

2. Servants
They are the ones who filled the jars with water and witnessed the transformation into wine. Their role highlights the importance of obedience and service.

3. Bridegroom
The person being celebrated at the wedding. He is called aside by the master of the banquet, unaware of the miraculous provision.

4. Wedding at Cana
The setting of Jesus' first recorded miracle, symbolizing the beginning of His public ministry and the revelation of His divine authority.

5. Jesus
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, He is the central figure who performs the miracle, demonstrating His power and compassion.

Teaching Points

Obedience in Service
The servants' role in the miracle underscores the importance of obedience and faithfulness in our service to God. Even when we do not understand His plans, our obedience can lead to miraculous outcomes.

Divine Provision
Jesus' transformation of water into wine illustrates God's ability to provide abundantly for our needs, often in unexpected ways. Trust in His provision is essential.

Revealing Glory
This miracle is a revelation of Jesus' glory and divine nature. As believers, we are called to recognize and testify to His work in our lives.

Joy in Christ
The transformation of water into wine at a wedding feast symbolizes the joy and celebration found in a relationship with Christ. Our faith should be marked by joy and gratitude.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the role of the servants in this passage encourage us to be obedient in our daily walk with Christ?

2. In what ways can we trust God to provide for our needs, as demonstrated in the miracle at Cana?

3. How does this miracle reveal Jesus' divine nature and authority, and how should that impact our faith?

4. What are some areas in your life where you need to experience the joy and celebration that comes from a relationship with Christ?

5. How can we, like the servants, be witnesses to the work of Christ in our communities and share His glory with others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:14
This verse speaks of the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us, full of grace and truth. The miracle at Cana is an early demonstration of Jesus' glory and divine nature.

Exodus 7:20
Moses turns water into blood as a sign of judgment. In contrast, Jesus turns water into wine, symbolizing joy and blessing, highlighting the new covenant of grace.

Matthew 22:2
The kingdom of heaven is compared to a wedding banquet, illustrating the joy and celebration associated with God's kingdom, as seen in the wedding at Cana.

Sermons

Satan's Banquet	Charles Haddon Spurgeon	John 2:9
Christ and Society	Dean Vaughan.	John 2:1-11
Christ At a Feast	Bp. Ryle.	John 2:1-11
Christian Festivity	Harry Jones, M. A., J. Baldwin Brown, B. A.	John 2:1-11
Eastern Marriage Customs	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:1-11
General Analysis and Illustrations of the Cana Miracle	Jonathan Edwards.	John 2:1-11
Human Feasts	J. P. Lange, D. D.	John 2:1-11
Jesus and Nature	J.R. Thomson	John 2:1-11
Jesus and Social Life	J.R. Thomson	John 2:1-11
Jesus and the Marriage State	J.R. Thomson	John 2:1-11
Lessons of the Incident	Family Churchman	John 2:1-11
Marks of the Grace of Christ	Harless.	John 2:1-11
Marriage Happy Where Christ is Acknowledged	Life of Philip Henry.	John 2:1-11
Religion for Joy as Well as for Sorrow	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	John 2:1-11
The Blessing of Marriage	J G. Hare	John 2:1-11
The Marriage Feast At Cana a Pledge of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb	J.R. Thomson	John 2:1-11
The Miracle At Cana	The miracles of the Lord Jesus.	John 2:1-11
The Miracle At Cana	H. J. W. Buxton, M. A.	John 2:1-11
The Miracle At Cana	W. G. Blaikie, D. D.	John 2:1-11
The Miracle At Cana	A. Beith, D. D.	John 2:1-11
The Miracle At Cana	Sermons by the Monday Club	John 2:1-11
The Miracles of Nature and the Miracles of Christ		John 2:1-11
The Popularity of This Cana Miracle	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:1-11
The Relaxation of Jesus Christ	J. W. Burn.	John 2:1-11
The Transformation of the Mean	J. A. Seiss, D. D.	John 2:1-11
The Water, the Wine, and the Wedding	C. S. Robinson, D. D.	John 2:1-11
The Wedding Feas	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:1-11
The Wedding Feast	T. Whitelaw, D. D.	John 2:1-11
At What Precise Point the Wonderful Transubstantiation Took Place	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
Filling the Water-Pots	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
Human Effort She Necessary Condition of Divine Help	J. S. Exell, M. A.	John 2:6-9
Surplus Wine	Bp. Wordsworth.	John 2:6-9
Tasted	Bp. Ryle.	John 2:6-9
The Governor of the Feast	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
The Governor of the Feast	H. W. Watkins, D. D.	John 2:6-9
The Naturalness of the Miracle	Bp. Alexander.	John 2:6-9
The Secret Nature of Our Lord's Work	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
The Servants Knew	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
The Significance of the Water-Pots	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
The Water-Pots	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9
The Water-Pots in the Way of Christ	C. H. Spurgeon.	John 2:6-9
Why the Water-Pots Were Filled	H. Macmillan, LL. D.	John 2:6-9

People

Jesus, Disciples

Places

Cana, Capernaum, Galilee, Jerusalem

Topics

Apartment, Aside, Attendants, Banquet, Bridegroom, Calleth, Calls, Carried, Clear, Didn't, Director, Drawn, Drew, Feast, Feast-master, Governor, Headwaiter, Idea, Master, Ministrants, Newly-married, President, Realize, Ruler, Servants, Sooner, Steward, Tasted, Tasting, Though, Whence, Wine

Dictionary of Bible Themes

John 2:9

2351 Christ, miracles
5187 taste

John 2:1-10

     4366   stones
     5312   feasting
     5742   wedding

John 2:1-11

1416 miracles, nature of
4544 wine

John 2:7-10

5660 bridegroom

John 2:8-9

4410 banquets

John 2:8-10

5962 surprises

Library

Grace and Glory
Chapel Royal, Whitehall. 1865. For the consumptive hospital. St John ii. 11. "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory." This word glory, whether in its Greek or its Roman shape, had a very definite meaning in the days of the Apostles. It meant the admiration of men. The Greek word, as every scholar knows, is derived from a root signifying to seem, and expresses that which a man seems, and appears to his fellow men. The Latin word glory is …
Charles Kingsley—All Saints' Day and Other Sermons

March 13 Morning
There is one God, and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus.--I TIM. 2:5. Forasmuch . . . as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.--In Christ Jesus, ye who sometime were far off, are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace.--By his own blood he entered …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 6 Morning
He ever liveth to make intercession.--HEB. 7:25. Who is he that condemneth? it is Christ that died . . . who also maketh intercession for us.--Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.--There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. Seeing . . . that we have a great …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 9 Evening
My feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped.--PSA. 73:2. When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O Lord, held me up. The Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not. A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.--Although he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. Rejoice not against me, O my enemy: when I fall, I shall arise: when …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 25 Morning
Thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins--MATT. 1:21. Ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins.--That we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness.--He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. The Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.--Thus it behoved …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

July 8 Morning
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.--I JOHN 1:9. I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.--I have blotted out as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

March 17 Evening
In all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.--HEB. 4:15. When the woman saw that the tree was good for food (the lust of the flesh), and that it was pleasant to the eyes (the lust of the eyes), and a tree to be desired to make one wise (the pride of life), she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat. When the tempter came to [Jesus], he said, if thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread (the lust of the flesh). …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 27 Morning
Brethren, the time is short.--I COR. 7:29. Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.--The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.--As in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Death is swallowed up in victory.--Whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 17 Evening
As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place therof shall know it no more.--PSA. 103:15,16. So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.--What shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever.--The world passeth away, and the lust thereof: …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

October 13 Evening
Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.--MATT. 6:10. Understanding what the will of the Lord is. It is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish. This is the will of God, even your sanctification.--That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.--Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth: wherefore lay apart all filthiness. Be ye holy; for I am holy.--[Jesus] said, Whosoever …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 5 Evening
The fashion of this world passeth away.--I COR. 7:31. All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died. Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning beat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.--For …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

January 17 Evening
The things which are.--REV. 1:19. Now we see through a glass, darkly.--Now we see not yet all things put under him. We have . . . a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.--Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

November 5 Morning
Take thou also unto thee principal spices, and thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment.--EXO. 30:23,25. Upon man's flesh shall it not be poured, neither shall ye make any other like it, after the composition of it: it is holy, and it shall be holy unto you.--One Spirit.--Diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. Thy God hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.--God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power.--God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 30 Morning
Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected.--I JOHN 2:5. The God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.--If a man love me, he will keep my …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

August 1 Morning
The fruit of the Spirit is . . . faith.--GAL. 5:22. By grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.--Without faith it is impossible to please him.--He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.--Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.--Faith …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

April 10 Evening
All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.--II TIM. 3:12. I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.--Whosoever . . . will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.--Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 11 Morning
Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.--ROM. 12:2. Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil. Know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. What fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 11 Morning
Awake to righteousness, and sin not.--I COR. 15:34. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day. Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. It is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed. The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light.--Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

May 17 Morning
I am the Lord your God; walk in my statutes, and keep my judgments, and do them.--EZEK. 20:19. As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.--He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.--Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.--Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

September 17 Evening
O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.--PSA. 34:8. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: he saith, . . . Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. The ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. --I believed, and therefore have I spoken.--I know whom I have believed.--I sat down under his …
Anonymous—Daily Light on the Daily Path

The First Miracle in Cana --The Water Made Wine
'This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth His glory.'--JOHN ii. 11. The keynote of this Gospel was struck in the earlier verses of the first chapter in the great words, 'The Word was made flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, full of grace and truth.' To these words there is an evident reference in this language. The Evangelist regards Christ's first miracle as the first ray of that forth-flashing glory of the Incarnate Word. To this Evangelist all …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Christ Cleansing the Temple
'Take these things hence; make not My Father's house an house of merchandise.'--JOHN ii. 16. The other Evangelists do not record this cleansing of the Temple at the beginning of Christ's ministry, but, as we all know, tell of a similar act at its very close. John, on the other hand, has no notice of the latter incident. The question, then, naturally arises, are these diverse narratives accounts of the same event? The answer seems to me to be in the negative, because John's Gospel is evidently intended …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Destroyers and the Restorer
'Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this Temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'--JOHN ii. 19. This is our Lord's answer to the Jewish request for a sign which should warrant His action in cleansing the Temple. There are two such cleansings recorded in the Gospels; this one His first public act, and another, omitted by John, but recorded in the other Gospels, which was almost His last public act. It has been suggested that these are but two versions of one incident; and although there …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Jesus the Joy-Bringer
'And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: 2. And both Jesus was called, and His disciples, to the marriage. 3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto Him, They have no wine. 4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? Mine hour is not yet come. 5. His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it. 6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

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