John 2:6

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

And {G1161} there were {G2258} set {G2749} there {G1563} six {G1803} waterpots {G5201} of stone {G3035}, after {G2596} the manner of the purifying {G2512} of the Jews {G2453}, containing {G5562} two {G1417} or {G2228} three {G5140} firkins {G3355} apiece {G303}.

Now six stone water-jars were standing there for the Jewish ceremonial washings, each with a capacity of twenty or thirty gallons.

Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.

Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews’ manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece.

Commentary

John 2:6 (KJV): "And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece."

Context

This verse is part of the narrative of the wedding at Cana in Galilee, where Jesus performs His first recorded miracle. The presence of these large stone waterpots highlights the cultural and religious practices of the time. Jews meticulously observed purification rituals, which involved washing hands, cups, and other vessels before meals and after various forms of ceremonial defilement, as prescribed by the Mosaic Law and rabbinic tradition. These stone jars were preferred over earthenware for such rituals because stone was considered impervious to ritual impurity, unlike pottery which could become defiled and had to be broken.

Key Themes

  • Jewish Purification Rites: The verse explicitly mentions "the manner of the purifying of the Jews," emphasizing the adherence to ceremonial law. These pots were essential for the daily religious life of observant Jews, underlining the background against which Jesus' new work is set.
  • Abundance and Lavish Provision: The sheer volume of water these pots could hold—"two or three firkins apiece"—is significant. A "firkin" (Greek: metretēs) was approximately 9 gallons (about 34 liters). So, each pot held between 18 and 27 gallons, meaning the six pots combined contained between 108 and 162 gallons of water. This immense quantity foreshadows the lavish and abundant provision Jesus would bring.
  • Transition from Old to New: The water in these pots, intended for ceremonial cleansing under the Old Covenant, is transformed by Jesus into wine, symbolizing the transition from the rituals of the Mosaic Law to the new spiritual reality and abundant grace brought by Christ. This miracle demonstrates Jesus' authority to fulfill and transcend the old ways, offering a new kind of spiritual cleansing and joy.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "firkin" is metretēs (μετρητής), a liquid measure equivalent to about 9 gallons or approximately 34-40 liters. The mention of "six" waterpots is also noteworthy; in biblical numerology, six often symbolizes human imperfection or incompleteness, contrasting with the divine completeness of seven. Here, six pots of water, representing human religious effort, are filled and transformed by Jesus, pointing to His divine perfection and sufficiency.

Practical Application

John 2:6 reminds us that Jesus steps into our ordinary, sometimes insufficient, circumstances and brings about extraordinary transformation. Just as He took water meant for ritual washing and turned it into the finest wine, He can take our efforts, our old ways, and even our emptiness, and fill them with His divine presence, transforming them into something new and glorious. It highlights that true purification and renewal come through Christ, not merely through adherence to external rituals.

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Cross-References

  • John 3:25

    Then there arose a question between [some] of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

  • Ephesians 5:26

    That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,

  • Hebrews 9:10

    [Which stood] only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed [on them] until the time of reformation.

  • Mark 7:2

    And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault.

  • Mark 7:5

    Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?

  • Hebrews 6:2

    Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.
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