Devine Scripture

John 2:9

What does John 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:9 means

The ruler of the feast's tasting of the water-turned-wine confirms its excellent quality, even though he was unaware of its miraculous origin. His ignorance, contrasted with the servants' knowledge, highlights the selective revelation of Jesus' glory. Only those who actively participated in His command understood the true nature of what had happened. This serves to underscore that faith and intimate participation often precede full comprehension of Jesus' work, and it sets the stage for the ruler's commendation of the wine.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

After tasting the water which had now become wine, the master of the feast (having no idea where it came from, though it was clear to the servants who took the water out) sent for the newly-married man,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And as the director of the apartment tasted the water become wine, and knew not whence it is, (but the ministrants knew, who have drawn the water,) the director of the feast doth call the bridegroom,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when the chief steward had tasted the water made wine and knew not whence it was, but the waiters knew who had drawn the water: the chief steward calleth the bridegroom,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But when the feast-master had tasted the water which had been made wine (and knew not whence it was, but the servants knew who drew the water), the feast-master calls the bridegroom,

Context

This verse provides the initial, crucial eyewitness account of the transformed water from an impartial observer. The ruler's reaction is vital evidence of the miracle's success, even though he remains unaware of its source. This sets up his commendation of the wine and the contrast with the servants' knowledge, moving the narrative toward the public recognition of the miracle's superior quality.

v.8And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it.

v.9This passage

v.10and 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.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 119:100

    I understand more than the aged, Because I have kept thy precepts.

  • John 4:46

    He came therefore again unto Cana of Galilee, where he made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

  • John 7:17

    If any man willeth to do his will, he shall know of the teaching, whether it is of God, or whether I speak from myself.

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