The Meaning of John 2:8 Explained

John 2:8

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

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

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

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

KJV Reverse Interlinear

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

What does John 2:8 Mean?

Context Summary

John 2:1-11 - Jesus Blesses Social Joys
The keyword here is signs, John 2:11, r.v. translated in the Authorized Version as miracles. They are windows into the eternal purpose. The Lord loved to join in simple human joys. "He came eating and drinking." He honored marriage by His first miracle. The wine had to fail, as the earthly and human always must, in order to make room for the eternal and divine. Like Mary, we are impetuous, and would hasten the divine actions: but God is ever deliberate and waits for the exact hour before He interposes. It is hardly likely that our Lord made one hundred and thirty gallons of wine; but that as the servants drew and bore to the table, the wondrous change was wrought. Our Lord did in a moment what He is ever doing, transforming dews and rain into the nutritive and gladdening juices of nature.
Here was indeed a sign that the Master desired to sweeten and enhance human happiness, and that His influence could transform what was ordinary and common into the joyous and sacramental. It was His glory to show that religion is consistent with ordinary life, and to teach that God increases our joys from less to more, and still more. "The best is yet to be." [source]

Chapter Summary: John 2

1  Jesus turns water into wine;
12  departs into Capernaum,
13  and to Jerusalem,
14  where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers
18  He foretells his death and resurrection
23  Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them

Greek Commentary for John 2:8

Draw out now [Αντλησατε νυν]
First aorist active imperative of αντλεω — antleō from ο αντλος — ho antlos bilge water, or the hold where the bilge water settles (so in Homer). The verb occurs in John 4:7, John 4:15, for drawing water from the well, and Westcott so interprets it here, but needlessly so, since the servants seem bidden to draw from the large water-jars now full of water. Apparently the water was still water when it came out of the jars (John 2:9), but was changed to wine before reaching the guests. The water in the jars remained water. Unto the ruler of the feast Dative case. The τρικλινος — triklinos was a room And they bare it Second aorist active indicative of περω — pherō Apparently not knowing at first that they bore wine. [source]
Draw out [ἀντλήσατε]
From ἄντλος , the hold of a ship where the bilge-water settles, and hence, the bilge-water itself. The verb, therefore, originally, means to bale out bilge-water; thence, generally, to draw, as from a well (John 4:15). Canon Westcott thinks that the water which was changed into wine was not taken from the vessels of purification, but that the servants were bidden, after they had filled the vessels with water, to continue drawing from the well or spring. [source]
Ruler of the feast [ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ]
From ἄρχω , to be chief, and τρίκλινον , Latin, triclinium, a banqueting-hall with three couches (see on Mark 6:39). Some explain the word as meaning the superintendent of the banqueting-chamber, a servant whose duty it was to arrange the table-furniture and the courses, and to taste the food beforehand. Others as meaning one of the guests selected to preside at the banquet according to the Greek and Roman usage. This latter view seems to be supported by a passage in Ecclesiasticus (35:1,2): “If thou be made the master of a feast, lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down. And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thou mayst be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.” According to the Greek and Roman custom, the ruler of the feast was chosen by throwing the dice. Thus Horace, in his ode to his friend Sestius, says, moralizing on the brevity of life: “Soon the home of Pluto will be thine, nor wilt thou cast lots with the dice for the presidency over the wine.” He prescribed the proportions of wine and water, and could also impose fines for failures to guess riddles, etc. As the success of the feast depended largely upon him, his selection was a matter of some delicacy. Plato says, “Must we not appoint a sober man and a wise to be our master of the revels? For if the ruler of drinkers be himself young and drunken, and not over-wise, only by some special good fortune will he be saved from doing some great evil” (“Laws,” 640). The word occurs only here and John 2:9. Wyc. simply transcribes: architriclyn f0. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for John 2:8

Matthew 15:2 Wash not their hands []
Washing before meals was alone regarded as a commandment; washing after meals only as a duty. By and by the more rigorous actually washed between the courses, although this was declared to be purely voluntary. The distinctive designation for washing after meals was the lifting of the hands; while for washing before meat a term was used which meant, literally, to rub. If “holy,” i.e., sacrificial food was to be partaken of, a complete immersion of the hands, and not a mere “uplifting” was prescribed. As the purifications were so frequent, and care had to be taken that the water had not been used for other purposes, or something fallen into it that might discolor or defile it, large vessels or jars were generally kept for the purpose (see John 2:6). It was the practice to draw water out of these with a kind of ladle or bucket - very often of glass - which must hold at least one and a half egg-shells (compare draw out now, John 2:8). The water was poured on both hands, which must be free of anything covering them, such as gravel, mortar, etc. The hands were lifted up so as to make the water run to the wrist, in order to insure that the whole hand was washed, and that the water polluted by the hand did not again run down the fingers. Similarly, each hand was rubbed with the other (the fist), provided the hand that rubbed had been affused; otherwise, the rubbing might be done against the head, or even against a wall. But there was one point on which special stress was laid. In the “first affusion,” which was all that originally was required when the hands were not levitically “defiled,” the water had to run down to the wrist. If the water remained short of the wrist, the hands were not clean. See Mark 7:3 (Edersheim, “Life and Times of Jesus”). [source]
John 4:7 To draw []
See on John 2:8. [source]
John 1:9 TRUE [ἀληθινὸν]
Wyc., very light (compare the Nicene creed, “very God of very God”). This epithet is applied to light only here and 1 John 2:8, and is almost confined to the writings of John. A different word, ἀληθής , also rendered true, occurs at John 3:33; John 5:31; John 8:13, and elsewhere. The difference is that ἀληθινόζ signifies true, as contrasted with false; while ἀληθινός signifies what is real, perfect, and substantial, as contrasted with what is fanciful, shadowy, counterfeit, or merely symbolic. Thus God is ἀληθής (John 3:33) in that He cannot lie. He is ἀληθινός (1 Thessalonians 1:9), as distinguished from idols. In Hebrews 8:2, the heavenly tabernacle is called ἀληθινή , as distinguished from the Mosaic tabernacle, which was a figure of the heavenly reality (Hebrews 9:24). Thus the expression true light denotes the realization of the original divine idea of the Light - the archetypal Light, as contrasted with all imperfect manifestations: “the Light which fulfilled all that had been promised by the preparatory, partial, even fictitious lights which had existed in the world before.”“Our little systems have their day;They have their day and cease to be: They are but broken lights of Thee,-DIVIDER-
And Thou, O Lord, art more than they.”Tennyson, In Memoriam. [source]

John 1:5 Shineth [φαίσει]
Note the present tense, indicating not merely the present point of time, but that the light has gone forth continuously and without interruption from the beginning until now, and is still shining. Hence φαίνει , shineth, denoting the peculiar property of light under all circumstances, and not φωτίζει , lighteneth or illuminateth, as in John 1:9. The shining does not always illuminate. Compare 1 John 2:8. [source]
John 4:7 There cometh [ερχεται]
Vivid historical present as in John 4:5. A woman of Samaria The country, not the city which was two hours away. To draw water First aorist active infinitive of purpose of αντλεω — antleō for which see John 2:8. Cf. Rebecca in Genesis 24:11, Genesis 24:17. Give me to drink Second aorist active imperative of διδωμι — didōmi and second aorist active infinitive (object of δος — dos) of πινω — pinō shortened form of πιειν — piein A polite request. [source]
John 9:1 As he passed by [παραγων]
Present active participle of παραγω — paragō old verb to go along, by, or past (Matthew 20:30). Only example in this Gospel, but in 1 John 2:8, 1 John 2:17. The day was after the stirring scenes in chapter 8, but not at the feast of dedication as Westcott argues. That comes three months later (John 10:22). From his birth Ablative case with εκ — ek of old word from γενω γινομαι — genō class="normal greek">τυπλος εκ γενετης — ginomai Here alone in N.T., but the phrase tuphlos ek genetēs is common in Greek writers. Probably a well-known character with his stand as a beggar (John 9:5). [source]
John 1:5 Shineth [παινει]
Linear present active indicative of παινω — phainō old verb from παω — phaō to shine “The light keeps on giving light.” In the darkness (σκοτος — en tēi skotiāi). Late word for the common σκια — skotos (kin to ο ζοπος του σκοτου — skia shadow). An evident allusion to the darkness brought on by sin. In 2 Peter 2:17 we have σκοτια — ho zophos tou skotou (the blackness of darkness). The Logos, the only real moral light, keeps on shining both in the Pre-incarnate state and after the Incarnation. John is fond of σκοτος — skotia (πως — skotos) for moral darkness from sin and πωτιζω παινω — phōs (αυτο ου κατελαβεν — phōtizō class="normal greek">καταλαμβανω — phainō) for the light that is in Christ alone. In 1 John 2:8 he proclaims that “the darkness is passing by and the true light is already shining.” The Gnostics often employed these words and John takes them and puts them in the proper place. Apprehended it not (ινα μη σκοτια υμας καταλαβηι — auto ou katelaben). Second aorist active indicative of ινα καταλαβηι — katalambanō old verb to lay hold of, to seize. This very phrase occurs in John 12:35 (κατελαβε δε αυτους η σκοτια — hina mē skotia humas katalabēi) “that darkness overtake you not,” the metaphor of night following day and in 1 Thessalonians 5:4 the same idiom (hina katalabēi) is used of day overtaking one as a thief. This is the view of Origen and appears also in 2Macc 8:18. The same word appears in Aleph D in John 6:17 katelabe de autous hē skotia (“but darkness overtook them,” came down on them). Hence, in spite of the Vulgate comprehenderunt, “overtook” or “overcame” seems to be the idea here. The light kept on shining in spite of the darkness that was worse than a London fog as the Old Testament and archaeological discoveries in Egypt, Assyria, Babylonia, Persia, Crete, Asia Minor show.sa120 [source]
John 3:19 And this is the judgment [αυτη δε εστιν η κρισις]
A thoroughly Johannine phrase for sequence of thought (John 15:12; John 17:3; 1 John 1:5; 1 John 5:11, 1 John 5:14; 3 John 1:6). It is more precisely the process of judging The light is come Second perfect active indicative of το σκοτος — erchomai a permanent result as already explained in the Prologue concerning the Incarnation (John 1:4, John 1:5, John 1:9, John 1:11). Jesus is the Light of the world. Loved darkness Job (Job 24:13) spoke of men rebelling against the light. Here πονηρα — to skotos common word for moral and spiritual darkness (1 Thessalonians 5:5), though Πονηρος — hē skotia in John 1:5. “Darkness” is common in John as a metaphor for the state of sinners (John 8:12; John 12:35, John 12:46; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 2:8, 1 John 2:9, 1 John 2:11). Jesus himself is the only moral and spiritual light of the world (John 8:12) as he dared claim to his enemies. The pathos of it all is that men fall in love with the darkness of sin and rebel against the light like denizens of the underworld, “for their works were evil In the end the god of this world blinds men‘s eyes so that they do not see the light (2 Corinthians 4:4). The fish in the Mammoth Cave have no longer eyes, but only sockets where eyes used to be. The evil one has a powerful grip on the world (1 John 5:19). [source]
John 5:35 He [εκεινος]
“That one” (John of John 5:33). Common demonstrative (that one) in John to point out the subject. Used in John 1:8 of the Baptist as here. John was now in prison and so Christ uses ην — ēn (was). His active ministry is over. The lamp The lamp in the room (Mark 4:21). Old word for lamp or candle as in Matthew 5:15. Used of Christ (the Lamb) as the Lamp of the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:23). Λαμπας — Lampas (Matthew 25:1, Matthew 25:3, etc.) is a torch whose wick is fed with oil. The Baptist was not the Light “Non Lux iste, sed lucerna.” Jesus by his own claim is the Light of the World (John 8:12; John 9:5; John 12:46). And yet all believers are in a sense “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14) since the world gets the Light of Christ through us. That burneth See Matthew 5:15 for this verb used with λυχνος — luchnos (lighting a candle or lamp). The lamp that is lit and is burning (present passive participle of καιω — kaiō and so is consumed). And shineth See John 1:4 for this verb used of the Logos shining in the darkness. Cf. 1 John 2:8. John was giving light as he burned for those in darkness like these Jews. And ye were willing “But ye became willing.” Ingressive aorist active indicative of τελω — thelō Reference again to John 1:19. Cf. also for the temporary popularity of the Baptist Mark 1:5; Matthew 3:5; Matthew 11:7; Matthew 21:26. The Jews were attracted to John “like moths to a candle” (Bernard). To rejoice First aorist passive infinitive of αγαλλιαομαι — agalliaomai late word for αγαλλομαι — agallomai for which see Matthew 5:12. “They were attracted by his brightness, not by his warmth” (Bengel). Even so the brightness of John‘s shining did not really enlighten their minds. “The interest in the Baptist was a frivolous, superficial, and short-lived excitement” (Vincent). It was only “for an hour” (προς ωραν — pros hōran) when they turned against him. [source]
1 John 4:9 His only-begotten Son [τὸν υἱὸν αὐτοῦ τὸν μονογενῆ]
Lit., His Son, the only-begotten (Son). A mode of expression common in John, enlarging upon the meaning of a noun by the addition of an adjective or a participle with the article. See 1 John 1:2; 1 John 2:7, 1 John 2:8, 1 John 2:25; 1 John 5:4; John 6:41, John 6:44, John 6:50, John 6:51; John 15:1, etc. On only-begotten, see on John 1:14. [source]
1 John 1:2 That eternal life [τὴν ζωὴν τὴν αἰώνιον]
A particularly faulty translation, since it utterly fails to express the development of the idea of life, which is distinctly contemplated by the original. Render, as Rev., the life, the eternal life; or the life, even the eternal life. For a similar repetition of the article compare 1 John 2:8; 1 John 4:9; 2 John 1:11. This particular phrase occurs only here and John 2:25. John uses ζωὴ αἰώνιος eternallife, and ἡ αἰώνιος ζωη the eternal life, the former expressing the general conception of life eternal, and the latter eternal life as the special gift of Christ. Αἰώνιος eternaldescribes the life in its quality of not being measured by time, a larger idea than that of mere duration. [source]
1 John 2:17 Passeth away [παραγεται]
“Is passing by” (linear action, present middle indicative), as in 1 John 2:8. There is consolation in this view of the transitoriness of the conflict with the world. Even the lust which belongs to the world passes also. The one who keeps on doing (ποιων — poiōn present active participle of ποιεω — poieō) the will of God “abides for ever” (μενει εις τον αιωνα — menei eis ton aiōna) “amid the flux of transitory things” (D. Smith). [source]

What do the individual words in John 2:8 mean?

And He says to them Draw out now carry to the master of the feast - And they carried [it]
Καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς Ἀντλήσατε νῦν φέρετε τῷ ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ Οἱ δὲ ἤνεγκαν

λέγει  He  says 
Parse: Verb, Present Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: λέγω 
Sense: to say, to speak.
αὐτοῖς  to  them 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
Ἀντλήσατε  Draw  out 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: ἀντλέω  
Sense: to draw out of a ship’s bilge-water, to bale or pump out.
νῦν  now 
Parse: Adverb
Root: νῦν  
Sense: at this time, the present, now.
φέρετε  carry 
Parse: Verb, Present Imperative Active, 2nd Person Plural
Root: φέρω  
Sense: to carry.
τῷ  to  the 
Parse: Article, Dative Masculine Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ  master  of  the  feast 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: ἀρχιτρίκλινος  
Sense: the superintendent of the dining room, a table master.
Οἱ  - 
Parse: Article, Nominative Masculine Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
ἤνεγκαν  they  carried  [it] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Plural
Root: φέρω  
Sense: to carry.

What are the major concepts related to John 2:8?

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