King James Version

What Does John 2:10 Mean?

John 2:10 in the King James Version says “And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which i... — study this verse from John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And saith unto him, 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.

John 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

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

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,

10

And saith unto him, 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.

11

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

12

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The governor's comment—'Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine... but thou hast kept the good wine until now'—reveals the wine's exceptional quality. Normal practice served best wine first; this host seemingly reversed protocol. The irony is profound: unbeknownst to the governor, this isn't the host's planning but Christ's provision. The 'best wine last' pictures gospel truth—Christ brings not deterioration but escalation. The new covenant surpasses the old.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The custom of serving best wine first exploited guests' dulled taste after initial consumption. Jesus reverses this cynical pattern. The 'good wine' kept until last symbolizes how the new covenant in Christ's blood surpasses the old covenant's ceremonial provisions. Grace exceeds law; reality surpasses shadow.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'best wine last' principle apply to spiritual growth and eternal hope?
  2. What does this miracle teach about how Christ transforms the ordinary into extraordinary?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
καὶ1 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

λέγει2 of 23

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ3 of 23

unto him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

Πᾶς4 of 23

Every

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἄνθρωπος5 of 23

man

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

πρῶτον6 of 23

at the beginning

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

τὸν7 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλὸν8 of 23

good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

οἶνον9 of 23

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

τίθησιν10 of 23

doth set forth

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

καὶ11 of 23

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ὅταν12 of 23

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

μεθυσθῶσιν13 of 23

men have well drunk

G3184

to drink to intoxication, i.e., get drunk

τότε14 of 23

then

G5119

the when, i.e., at the time that (of the past or future, also in consecution)

τὸν15 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐλάσσω·16 of 23

that which is worse

G1640

smaller (in size, quantity, age or quality)

σὺ17 of 23

but thou

G4771

thou

τετήρηκας18 of 23

hast kept

G5083

to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892

τὸν19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

καλὸν20 of 23

good

G2570

properly, beautiful, but chiefly (figuratively) good (literally or morally), i.e., valuable or virtuous (for appearance or use, and thus distinguished

οἶνον21 of 23

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

ἕως22 of 23

until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄρτι23 of 23

now

G737

just now


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 2:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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