John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 8. And he saith unto them, draw out now , etc.] As soon as ever the vessels were filled with water, without any more delay, he ordered the servants to draw out of those larger, into lesser vessels; he does not say what, water or wine: and bear unto the governor of the feast ; who either had the ordering and management of the feast, and the command of the whole affair; hence the Ethiopic version calls him, the master of the waiters, or servants: or he was the chief guest, as the word seems to import, who sat, or rather lay, on the chief couch at the table; and so a proper person to begin with, and put the cup round: or else he might be doctor or chaplain: for such an one was necessary at a marriage; since there were six or seven benedictions to be pronounced; and particularly a blessing was said over the cup of wine; for if there was any wine, a cup of it was brought, and he blessed over it first, and ordered every thing concerning the cup: and this made up seven blessings at such a time f93 ; and therefore was a very fit person to bear the wine to first: and they bore it ; the servants having drawn out of the stone vessels, by cocks, into smaller ones, carried the liquor, as they were ordered, to the above person.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-11 - It is very desirable when there is a marriage, to have Christ own an bless it. Those that would have Christ with them at their marriage must invite him by prayer, and he will come. While in this world we sometimes find ourselves in straits, even when we think ourselves i fulness. There was want at a marriage feast. Those who are come to car for the things of the world, must look for trouble, and count upo disappointment. In our addresses to Christ, we must humbly spread ou case before him, and then refer ourselves to him to do as he pleases In Christ's reply to his mother there was no disrespect. He used the same word when speaking to her with affection from the cross; yet it is a standing testimony against the idolatry of after-ages, in giving undue honours to his mother. His hour is come when we know not what to do. Delays of mercy are not denials of prayer. Those that expec Christ's favours, must observe his orders with ready obedience. The way of duty is the way to mercy; and Christ's methods must not be objecte against. The beginning of Moses' miracles was turning water into blood Ex 7:20; the beginning of Christ's miracles was turning water int wine; which may remind us of the difference between the law of Mose and the gospel of Christ. He showed that he improves creature-comfort to all true believers, and make them comforts indeed. And Christ' works are all for use. Has he turned thy water into wine, given the knowledge and grace? it is to profit withal; therefore draw out now and use it. It was the best wine. Christ's works commend themselve even to those who know not their Author. What was produced by miracles always was the best in its kind. Though Christ hereby allows a righ use of wine, he does not in the least do away his own caution, whic is, that our hearts be not at any time overcharged with surfeiting an drunkenness, Lu 21:34. Though we need not scruple to feast with ou friends on proper occasions, yet every social interview should be s conducted, that we might invite the Redeemer to join with us, if he were now on earth; and all levity, luxury, and excess offend him.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ λεγει 3004 5719 V-PAI-3S αυτοις 846 P-DPM αντλησατε 501 5657 V-AAM-2P νυν 3568 ADV και 2532 CONJ φερετε 5342 5720 V-PAM-2P τω 3588 T-DSM αρχιτρικλινω 755 N-DSM και 2532 CONJ ηνεγκαν 5342 5656 V-AAI-3P
Vincent's NT Word Studies
8. Draw out (antlhsate). From antlov, 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 (iv. 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.Ruler of the feast (arcitriklinw). From arcw, to be chief, and triklinon, Latin, triclinium, a banqueting-hall with three couches (see on Mark vi. 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 (xxxv. 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 ver. 9. Wyc. simply transcribes: architriclyn.
