Charles Ellicott Commentary John 2:8

"And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the ruler of the feast. And they bare it." — John 2:8 (ASV)

Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast.—A vessel was let down into the pitcher and was then carried to the ruler of the feast, who would distribute the wine in it to the guests.

Ruler should be used rather than “governor.” The same English word should be used throughout the two verses. The exact office denoted by the Greek word is uncertain, as it occurs nowhere else in the Bible and is very rare in classical authors.

The chief English commentators (Alford, Wordsworth, Trench) agree that he was chosen by the guests from among their own number. However, this opinion has not commanded the general assent of scholars. Indeed, there seems more reason to think that the person intended is what we would call the “head-waiter,” whose duty it was to taste the food and wines, arrange the tables and couches, and be generally responsible for the feast.