Lexical Summary architriklinos: Master of the banquet, headwaiter Original Word: ἀρχιτρίκλινος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance governor of the feast. From arche and a compound of treis and klino (a dinner-bed, because composed of three couches); director of the entertainment -- governor (ruler) of the feast. see GREEK arche see GREEK treis see GREEK klino NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom archó and triklinos (a dining room with three couches) Definition the superintendent of a banquet NASB Translation headwaiter (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 755: ἀρχιτρίκλινοςἀρχιτρίκλινος, ἀρχιτρικλινου, ὁ (τρικλινον (or τρίκλινος (namely, οἶκος), a room with three couches)), the superintendent of a dining-room, a τρικλιναρχης, table-master: John 2:8f (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon Term and Setting Strong’s Greek 755 designates the “master of the banquet” or chief steward who supervised every practical and ceremonial detail of a formal meal, most notably a wedding feast. In the first-century Mediterranean world, such a figure balanced authority with hospitality. He arranged seating, monitored the quality and quantity of food and wine, directed servants, and ensured that the host’s honor was upheld before the guests. Cultural Background Greco-Roman banquets (symposia or triklina) were social events where honor, reciprocity, and reputation intertwined. Wine flowed in stages, typically beginning with the best vintage; diluted cups followed to prolong fellowship without drunkenness. A competent architriklinos needed discernment, organizational skill, and fidelity to the household he served—qualities highly prized in ancient stewardship (compare Genesis 39:4-6). Biblical Occurrences and Context All three New Testament uses appear in John 2:8-9 during the wedding at Cana, the setting of Jesus’ first recorded “sign.” John presents him as an eyewitness whose professional credibility underscores the miracle. He did not know the source of the wine, yet his judgment validates the work of Jesus and protects the bridegroom’s honor. Theological Significance 1. Manifestation of Glory: The expert steward’s verdict authenticates the transformation, leading the disciples to believe in Jesus (John 2:11). Ministry and Discipleship Applications • Excellence in Service: Leaders are called to manage resources so that Christ—not human effort—receives the highest praise (Colossians 3:23-24). Typological and Prophetic Dimensions The Cana narrative anticipates the ultimate “marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:7-9). Jesus, not merely a guest, emerges as the true Master who supplies the feast. The architriklinos’ role fades before the Bridegroom’s revelation, reminding the church that all earthly stewardship is provisional and points to Christ’s consummate reign. Related Words and Concepts • Oikonomos (steward, Luke 16:1) – broad household management. Together they sketch a biblical hierarchy: the Lord provides, servants obey, stewards testify. Historical Trajectory Early Christian writers cited Cana in premarital catechesis, viewing the steward’s pronouncement as divine endorsement of marital joy and temperate celebration. Medieval commentators further allegorized him as the Old Testament economy, surprised by grace. The word remained a liturgical touchstone for wedding blessings across centuries. Key References John 2:8-11; Isaiah 25:6; Joel 3:18; Luke 12:42-44; Luke 16:1-13; 1 Corinthians 4:1-2; Revelation 19:7-9 Forms and Transliterations αρχιτρικλινος αρχιτρίκλινος ἀρχιτρίκλινος αρχιτρικλινω αρχιτρικλίνω ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ αρχίφυλοι αρχιφύλους αρχός architriklino architriklinō architriklínoi architriklínōi architriklinos architríklinosLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance John 2:8 N-DMSGRK: φέρετε τῷ ἀρχιτρικλίνῳ οἱ δὲ NAS: and take it to the headwaiter. So KJV: bear unto the governor of the feast. And INT: carry to the master of the feast and John 2:9 N-NMS John 2:9 N-NMS Strong's Greek 755 |
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