The term "Ruler of the Feast" appears in the account of the wedding at Cana, as recorded in the Gospel of John. This individual played a significant role in the social and ceremonial aspects of ancient Jewish weddings, which were elaborate and joyous occasions lasting several days. The Ruler of the Feast was responsible for overseeing the arrangements and ensuring the smooth running of the event, particularly in relation to the provision of food and drink.

Biblical Reference:

The primary reference to the Ruler of the Feast is found in John 2:1-10, where Jesus performs His first recorded miracle by turning water into wine. The passage describes how, during the wedding celebration, the wine ran out, prompting Jesus' mother, Mary, to inform Him of the situation. Jesus instructed the servants to fill six stone water jars with water, which He then miraculously transformed into wine. The Ruler of the Feast, upon tasting the wine, remarked to the bridegroom:

"Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now!" (John 2:10).

This statement highlights the Ruler's role in tasting and approving the quality of the wine served to the guests.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In the context of a Jewish wedding, the Ruler of the Feast, also known as the "master of the banquet" or "headwaiter," was akin to a master of ceremonies. This person was entrusted with the responsibility of managing the logistics of the feast, including the seating arrangements, the order of service, and the distribution of food and drink. The Ruler of the Feast was expected to ensure that the guests were well-cared for and that the celebration proceeded without any disruptions.

The role required a person of experience and discernment, as the Ruler needed to make quick decisions and address any issues that arose during the festivities. The Ruler's approval of the wine in John 2 underscores his authority and expertise in matters of hospitality.

Theological Significance:

The account of the Ruler of the Feast in John 2 is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it highlights Jesus' divine authority and power, as He performs a miracle that demonstrates His mastery over the natural elements. The transformation of water into wine is symbolic of the new covenant and the abundance of grace that Jesus brings.

Secondly, the Ruler's reaction to the quality of the wine serves as a testament to the excellence of Jesus' provision. The fact that the best wine was served last, contrary to customary practice, underscores the superior nature of what Jesus offers compared to the old order.

Lastly, the presence of the Ruler of the Feast in this narrative emphasizes the importance of joy and celebration in the Christian life. The wedding at Cana, with its focus on community and festivity, reflects the joy of the Kingdom of God and the transformative power of Christ's presence.

In summary, the Ruler of the Feast in the wedding at Cana narrative serves as a key figure in illustrating the miraculous and transformative work of Jesus, as well as the joy and abundance found in His ministry.Ruler of the Feast

RULER OF THE FEAST

(architriklinos; the King James Version governor): The word occurs in the New Testament in the account of the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee (John 2:8, 9). According to Ecclesiasticus (32:1) it was customary to appoint a "master of the ceremonies" from among the invited guests. It was his duty to determine the places of the guests, to see that the ordinary rules of etiquette were observed, etc., and generally to supervise the arrangements. The Revised Version margin "steward" is possible if the "governor of the feast" meant the "head waiter" (Merx renders "head servant of the feast"), and not one of the guests appointed for the purpose. But the context is in favor of the view that the person in question was one of the prominent guests-an intimate friend or relative of the host.

See RULER, 2, (2).

T. Lewis

755. architriklinos -- the superintendent of a banquet
... 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. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/755.htm - 6k

Jesus the Joy-Bringer
... And they bare it.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 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/jesus the joy-bringer.htm

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now [the word "now" seems to indicate the
turning-point when the water became wine], and bear unto the ruler of the feast. ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

The First Miracle.
... (John 2:9). 9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted. The ruler of the
feast, and the governor of verse 8th, are the same. It was ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

The First Miracle.
... And they filled them up to the brim. And he saith unto them, "Draw out now,
and bear unto the ruler of the feast.". And they bare it. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the first miracle.htm

John ii. 4
... 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 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii john ii 4.htm

At the Marriage Feast
... Neither the ruler of the feast nor the guests generally were aware that
the supply of wine had failed. Upon tasting that which the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 15 at the marriage.htm

Jesus Answered and Said unto Him, Get Thee Hence...
... And they filled them to the top. [412] He said unto them, Draw [30] out now,
and present to the ruler of the feast. And they did so. ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section v jesus answered and.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... And they filled them up to the brim. And He saith unto them, Draw out now,
and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it. ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

John v. 6, 7
... nothing of what had been done, by his confession might bear to Him unsuspected
testimony; wherefore the Evangelist saith, that the ruler of the feast "knew not ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxxvii john v 6.htm

The Beginning of Miracles.
... enthusiasm for himself, was from our Lord's thoughts, may be well seen in the fact
that the miracle was not beheld even by the ruler of the feast; while the ...
/.../macdonald/miracles of our lord/ii the beginning of miracles.htm

What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Darius in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

If Jesus was God, why did He say "No one is good but God alone"? | GotQuestions.org

Ruler: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus