John 2:9
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,
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
When
G5613
ὡς
When
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 27
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐγεύσατο
had tasted
G1089
ἐγεύσατο
had tasted
Strong's:
G1089
Word #:
3 of 27
to taste; by implication, to eat; figuratively, to experience (good or ill)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀρχιτρίκλινος
the governor of the feast
G755
ἀρχιτρίκλινος
the governor of the feast
Strong's:
G755
Word #:
5 of 27
director of the entertainment
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γεγενημένον
that was made
G1096
γεγενημένον
that was made
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
9 of 27
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ᾔδεισαν
knew
G1492
ᾔδεισαν
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
12 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
πόθεν
whence
G4159
πόθεν
whence
Strong's:
G4159
Word #:
13 of 27
from which (as interrogative) or what (as relative) place, state, source or cause
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
διάκονοι
the servants
G1249
διάκονοι
the servants
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
17 of 27
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
ᾔδεισαν
knew
G1492
ᾔδεισαν
knew
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
18 of 27
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἠντληκότες
drew
G501
ἠντληκότες
drew
Strong's:
G501
Word #:
20 of 27
to bale up (properly, bilge water), i.e., dip water (with a bucket, pitcher, etc.)
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
21 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φωνεῖ
called
G5455
φωνεῖ
called
Strong's:
G5455
Word #:
23 of 27
to emit a sound (animal, human or instrumental); by implication, to address in words or by name, also in imitation
ὁ
which
G3588
ὁ
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
24 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- What role does humble service play in understanding spiritual reality?
- How does the transformation (not just improvement) of water to wine picture regeneration?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.