John 2:8

What does John 2:8 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:8 means

Jesus' instruction to "Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast" signifies the moment of transformation and the immediate presentation of the new creation. The ruler of the feast was responsible for the quality of the wine and the overall conduct of the celebration. Directing the servants to him ensures an impartial assessment of the miraculous wine, confirming its superior quality. This action demonstrates Jesus' authority not just to create, but to integrate His creation into the established order, inviting recognition by those in authority.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then he said to them, Now take some, and give it to the master of the feast. So they took it to him.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he saith to them, `Draw out, now, and bear to the director of the apartment;' and they bare.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Jesus saith to them: Draw out now and carry to the chief steward of the feast. And they carried it.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And he says to them, Draw out now, and carry [it] to the feast-master. And they carried [it].

Context

Following the filling of the waterpots, this verse details Jesus' command to present the miraculous contents to the master of ceremonies. This step is crucial because it initiates the formal validation of the transformation, leading directly to the ruler's assessment in the subsequent verses. It connects the unseen divine act with its public reception, allowing the miracle to be verified by a neutral party.

v.7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

v.8This passage

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,

Cross references

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

  • John 2:9

    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,

  • Romans 13:7

    Render to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor.

  • Proverbs 3:5

    Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, And lean not upon thine own understanding:

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