Devine Scripture

John 2:10

What does John 2:10 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:10 means

The ruler of the feast's commendation of the wine to the bridegroom highlights its extraordinary quality, noting that it was kept "until now." His observation about serving the best wine first and then the inferior reflects common practice. The fact that the superior wine was presented last signifies that Jesus' provision transcends human expectation and delivers an abundance of exceptional goodness. This emphasizes the surpassing quality of what Jesus offers, which is always better and more abundant than what precedes it, and speaks to His generous nature.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and saith unto him, Every man setteth on first the good wine; and when men have drunk freely, then that which is worse: thou hast kept the good wine until now.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And said to him, Every man first puts out his best wine and when all have had enough he puts out what is not so good; but you have kept the good wine till now.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and saith to him, `Every man, at first, the good wine doth set forth; and when they may have drunk freely, then the inferior; thou didst keep the good wine till now.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And saith to him: Every man at first setteth forth good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse. But thou hast kept the good wine until now.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and says to him, Every man sets on first the good wine, and when [men] have well drunk, then the inferior; thou hast kept the good wine till now.

Context

This verse records the ruler of the feast's direct compliment to the bridegroom about the high quality of the wine, further validating the miracle. His statement regarding the usual custom of serving wine provides a vital comparison point, underscoring the exceptional nature of Jesus' provision. This positive assessment concludes the immediate events surrounding the wine, setting the stage for John's theological commentary on the significance of this sign.

v.9And 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,

v.10This passage

v.11This beginning of his signs did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Luke 16:25

    But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things: but now here he is comforted, and thou art in anguish.

  • Proverbs 9:1

    Wisdom hath builded her house; She hath hewn out her seven pillars:

  • Revelation 7:16

    They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun strike upon them, nor any heat:

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