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

JOHN 2:8KJV
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John 2:8 (KJV)

What does John 2:8 mean?

John 2:8 describes Jesus instructing the servants at the wedding in Cana to draw some of the water (which had just been turned into wine) and take it to the person in charge of the feast. The servants obey and carry the water to the master of the banquet.

In this scene, Jesus is speaking directly to the servants during a wedding celebration where the wine has run out. The "governor of the feast" is the official responsible for overseeing the event. This verse shows Jesus quietly directing the miracle behind the scenes, with the servants acting on his instructions before anyone else realizes what has happened.

The Greek behind John 2:8

  • The word "bear" (φέρω, pherō) appears twice in this verse, meaning "to carry" or "to bring." Its repetition highlights the servants' role in physically delivering what Jesus has provided, emphasizing their obedience and the practical steps involved in the miracle.
  • "Governor of the feast" (ἀρχιτρίκλινος, architriklinos) refers to the person managing the banquet. This title clarifies that the miracle is being revealed to someone with authority over the celebration, not just to the guests or family.

Why John 2:8 matters

  • John 2:8 shows that the servants are the first to witness Jesus’ miracle, even before the master of the feast or the wedding guests, highlighting the quiet way Jesus often works.
  • The verse emphasizes Jesus’ authority and the trust the servants place in his instructions, even though they do not yet know what has happened to the water.
  • This moment sets up the revelation of the miracle in the next verses, showing the careful, step-by-step unfolding of the event and building anticipation for the master’s reaction.

Where else these words appear

“feast” Greek G755 · used in 2 verses

  • 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,

“out” Greek G501 · used in 4 verses

  • 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,
  • John 4:7 There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.
  • John 4:15 The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.

“bear” Greek G5342 · used in 58 verses

  • Matthew 14:11 And his head was brought in a charger, and given to the damsel: and she brought it to her mother.
  • Luke 24:1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.
  • Acts 14:13 Then the priest of Jupiter, which was before their city, brought oxen and garlands unto the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

“now” Greek G3568 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 24:21 For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.
  • Acts 2:33 Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:2 I told you before, and foretell you, as if I were present, the second time; and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned, and to all other, that, if I come again, I will not spare: