King James Version

What Does John 2:9 Mean?

John 2:9 in the King James Version says “When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which... — study this verse from John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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,

John 2:9 · KJV


Context

7

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The governor tastes the water 'that was made wine' without knowing its origin. The text specifies 'the servants which drew the water knew.' This creates an epistemological divide—those who obey and serve understand what those in authority may miss. The water had genuinely become wine; this was transformation, not merely addition or mixture. The miracle is complete and public yet the source remains hidden except to those directly involved.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This transformation (water to wine) is qualitatively different from later multiplication miracles. It demonstrates Christ's creative power, changing one substance into another—appropriate for the Logos through whom all things were made (John 1:3). The knowledge gap between servants and governor pictures how humble faith sees what proud authority cannot.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role does humble service play in understanding spiritual reality?
  2. How does the transformation (not just improvement) of water to wine picture regeneration?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
ὡς1 of 27

When

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 27

(but

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγεύσατο3 of 27

had tasted

G1089

to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)

4 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἀρχιτρίκλινος5 of 27

the governor of the feast

G755

director of the entertainment

6 of 27

which

G3588

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

ὕδωρ7 of 27

the water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

οἶνον8 of 27

wine

G3631

"wine" (literally or figuratively)

γεγενημένον9 of 27

that was made

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

καὶ10 of 27

and

G2532

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

οὐκ11 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ᾔδεισαν12 of 27

knew

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

πόθεν13 of 27

whence

G4159

from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause

ἐστίν14 of 27

it was

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

15 of 27

which

G3588

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

δὲ16 of 27

(but

G1161

but, and, etc

διάκονοι17 of 27

the servants

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

ᾔδεισαν18 of 27

knew

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

19 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἠντληκότες20 of 27

drew

G501

to bale up (properly, bilge water), i.e., dip water (with a bucket, pitcher, etc.)

21 of 27

which

G3588

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

ὕδωρ22 of 27

the water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

φωνεῖ23 of 27

called

G5455

to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation

24 of 27

which

G3588

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

νυμφίον25 of 27

the bridegroom

G3566

a bride-groom (literally or figuratively)

26 of 27

which

G3588

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

ἀρχιτρίκλινος27 of 27

the governor of the feast

G755

director of the entertainment


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 2:9 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 2:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study