Containing (xwpodca:). From yapos, a place or space. Hence, to make room or give place, and so, to have space or room for holding something.
Firkins (“etpntas). Only here in the New Testament. From perpéw, to measure ; and therefore, properly, a measurer. A liquid measure containing nearly nine gallons.
7. Fill (yeuécare). Compare Mark iv. 87, and see on Luke xiv. 23.
8. Draw out (avtAjcate). From dvtios, the hold of a ship where the bilge-water settles, and hence, the bilge-water ttself. The verb, therefore, originally, means to bale out bilge-water ; thence, generally, to draw, as from a well (iv. 15). Canon Westcott thinks that the water which was changed into wine was not taken from the vessels of purification, but that the ser- vants were bidden, after they had filled the vessels with water, to continue drawing from the well or spring.
Ruler of the feast (dpyitpixrAivw). From dpyxo, to be chief, and tpixdwov, Lat., triclinium, a banqueting-hall with three couches (see on Mark vi. 39). Some explain the word as mean- ing the superintendent of the banqueting-chamber, a servant whose duty it was to arrange the table-furniture and the courses, and to taste the food beforehand. Others as meaning one of the guests selected to preside at the banquet according to the Greek and Roman usage. ‘This latter view seems to be supported by a passage in Ecclesiasticus (xxxv. 1, 2): “If thou be made the master of a feast, lift not thyself up, but be among them as one of the rest; take diligent care for them, and so sit down. And when thou hast done all thy office, take thy place, that thon mayst be merry with them, and receive a crown for thy well ordering of the feast.” According to the Greek and Roman custom, the ruler of the feast was chosen by throwing the dice. Thus Horace, in his ode to his friend Sestius, says, moralizing on the brevity of life: “Soon the home of Pluto will be thine, nor wilt thou cast lots with the dice for the presidency over the wine.” He prescribed the
VoL. Il.—6