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JOHN 2:9 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 2:8John 2:10
“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,”
Without knowing where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew, the master of the banquet called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best for last' — the master's unknowing praise of the bridegroom (unaware of the miracle's true source) creates dramatic irony. The inversion of normal practice (best wine last rather than first) suggests Jesus' reversal of ordinary expectations. The comment about guests' intoxication adds realism and gentle satire on human excess.

Church Fathers on John 2:9

Although He had said, Mine hour is not yet come, He afterwards did what His mother told Him, in order to show plainly, that He was not under subjection to the hour. For if He was, how could He have done this miracle before the hour appointed for it? In the next place, He wished to show honor to His mother, and make it appear that He did not go counter to her eventually. He would not put her to shame in the presence of so many; especially as she had sent the servants to Him,…

Chrysostom · 4th century

As if she said, Though He appear to refuse, He will do it nevertheless. She knew His pity and mercifulness. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Hydriae are vessels to hold water: hydor being the Greek for water.

Bede · 8th century

Vessels to hold water were there, after the manner of the purifying of Jews. Among other traditions of the Pharisees, they observed frequent washings

Alcuin · 8th century
Read all 18 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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John 2:9 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy