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G755 · Greek · New Testament
ἀρχιτρίκλινος
Architriklinos
Noun, masculine
Master of the banquet

Definition

The Greek compound noun architriklinos (ἀρχιτρίκλινος) means "master of the banquet" or "head waiter" — from archos (chief/ruler) and triklinos (dining room with three couches arranged in a square). This official presided over Greco-Roman dinner parties, managing the feast, tasting the wine, and overseeing the servants.

Usage & Theological Significance

The architriklinos appears uniquely in John 2:8–10 — the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, His first sign. When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had become wine, he was astonished by its superior quality. His comment — "you have saved the best till now" — is profoundly ironic: he does not know where the wine came from, but the reader understands it as a sign of Christ's messianic abundance. The best wine saved for last reverses the world's order and previews the eschatological banquet (Isaiah 25:6; Revelation 19:9) where the finest is reserved for God's redeemed people.

Key Bible Verses

John 2:8 Then he told them, 'Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.' They did so.
John 2:9 And the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine.
John 2:10 He 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 till now.'
Isaiah 25:6 On this mountain the LORD Almighty will prepare a feast of rich food for all peoples, a banquet of aged wine.
Revelation 19:9 Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!

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