### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun G5201 (hydría) is derived directly from G5204 (hýdōr), meaning "water." This etymological root firmly establishes its primary meaning as a "water-jar" or "water-pot." More specifically, it denotes a receptacle designed for carrying or storing water, often for domestic use or travel. The base definition emphasizes its function as a "receptacle for family supply," highlighting its practical and essential role in the daily life of ancient households, where water collection and storage were fundamental tasks. This implies a vessel of considerable size, capable of holding a substantial volume of water necessary for a family's needs. Unlike generic containers, G5201 is specifically identified by its purpose for water, distinguishing it from vessels primarily used for other liquids, such as wine.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word G5201 appears exclusively in the Gospel of John, featuring in two distinct yet profoundly significant narratives:
* **[[John 2:6-7]]:** At the wedding in Cana, Jesus instructs the servants to fill "six stone water-jars" (hydríai) with water, which He then miraculously transforms into wine. These jars are explicitly noted as being "for the Jewish rites of purification," underscoring their traditional, religious function. Their emptiness before the miracle highlights a state of lack, which Jesus fills and transforms with divine abundance. The substantial capacity of these jars (two or three *metrētai* each, G3358) further emphasizes the lavishness of the miracle, far exceeding mere necessity. The "stone" material suggests their permanence and perhaps the unyielding nature of the old order, which is then superseded by Christ's new creation.
* **[[John 4:28]]:** Following her transformative encounter with Jesus at Jacob's well, the Samaritan woman leaves her "water-jar" (hydría) behind and rushes into the town to proclaim the Messiah. Here, the hydría symbolizes her daily routine, her mundane life, and perhaps her past burdens. By abandoning it, she signifies a radical shift in her priorities and a newfound spiritual freedom. She has discovered "living water" (G5204 zō̂n) in Jesus, which transcends the physical water she came to draw. Her act of leaving the jar is a powerful, immediate sign of conversion and the compelling call to share her newfound faith.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **G5204 (hýdōr):** The direct root of G5201, meaning "water." This connection is foundational, as the hydría is defined by its purpose. The concept of "living water" (G5204 zō̂n), central to John's Gospel, provides a profound theological link, contrasting physical water with spiritual sustenance.
* **G3358 (metretḗs):** A unit of measure, specifically mentioned in [[John 2:6]] in relation to the hydríai. This helps us appreciate the significant volume these water-jars held, underscoring the scale of Jesus' miracle.
* **Jewish Purification Rites:** In [[John 2:6]], the hydríai are explicitly linked to these rites, connecting the word to broader themes of ritual law, cleanliness, and the surpassing nature of the new covenant inaugurated by Christ.
* **Daily Life and Provision:** The hydría represents the ordinary, essential aspects of daily existence and the provision of basic needs. In both instances where it appears, Jesus interacts with this common object in extraordinary ways, elevating the mundane to a realm of divine revelation and transformation.
* **Symbol of Thirst and Fulfillment:** The hydría inherently speaks to the human need for water. In both narratives, it serves as a tangible symbol of a deeper thirst—whether for ritual purity or spiritual satisfaction—which Jesus alone can truly fulfill.
### Theological Significance
The hydría carries profound theological weight in the Gospel of John:
* **Transformation and Abundance:** In [[John 2]], the hydríai become vessels of divine transformation. From holding water for ritual cleansing, they are filled with the finest wine, symbolizing the superabundance of God's grace and the superiority of the New Covenant over the Old Law. The "six" jars, one short of the perfect seven, subtly hint at the incompleteness of the Old Covenant system, which Christ then perfects and fills to overflowing.
* **Spiritual Priority and Abandonment:** In [[John 4]], the hydría symbolizes the earthly concerns and the former way of life that are willingly abandoned when one encounters the "living water" offered by Christ. The Samaritan woman's decision to leave her jar behind is a powerful illustration of spiritual transformation and the immediate, compelling call to evangelism that follows a genuine encounter with the Messiah. It signifies a profound shift from physical thirst to spiritual fulfillment and mission.
* **Divine Encounter in the Mundane:** The presence of the hydría in both narratives underscores how Jesus engages with the ordinary objects and routines of human life to reveal profound spiritual truths. God's intervention is not confined to sacred spaces but permeates and transforms the everyday.
* **Christ as the Source:** Ultimately, the hydría points beyond itself to Christ as the ultimate source of true satisfaction and spiritual life, whether through miraculous provision (Cana) or the gift of living water (Samaria). It highlights His ability to take the common and make it extraordinary, revealing His glory and inviting humanity to a deeper relationship.
### Summary
The Greek word G5201 (hydría) denotes a "water-jar" or "water-pot," a common domestic vessel for carrying and storing water. Its two occurrences in the Gospel of John are highly significant. In [[John 2:6]], the hydríai used for Jewish purification rites become the instruments of Jesus' first miracle, transforming water into wine, symbolizing the abundance and superiority of the new covenant in Christ over the old order. In [[John 4:28]], the Samaritan woman's hydría, representing her daily life and earthly concerns, is left behind as she embraces the "living water" offered by Jesus and becomes an immediate witness to Him. Thus, G5201 serves as a powerful symbol of divine transformation, the surpassing nature of Christ's provision, and the radical reorientation of priorities that occurs when one encounters the divine. It connects the mundane act of drawing water with profound theological truths about spiritual cleansing, divine abundance, and the life-changing power of the Gospel.
TRV