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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>John 2:6 Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/john/2-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/43_Jhn_02_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="John 2:6 - The Wedding at Cana" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. 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Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons. <a href="/esv/john/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. <a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now there were six stone water jars standing there, according to the purification of the Jews, having space for two or three metretae. <a href="/kjv/john/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. <a href="/nkjv/john/2.htm">New King James Version</a> Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece. <a href="/nasb_/john/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now there were six stone waterpots standing there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing two or three measures each. <a href="/nasb/john/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. <a href="/nasb77/john/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing twenty or thirty gallons each. <a href="/lsb/john/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there were six stone water jars set there for the Jewish custom of purification, containing two or three measures each. <a href="/amp/john/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now there were six stone waterpots set there for the Jewish custom of purification (ceremonial washing), containing twenty or thirty gallons each. <a href="/csb/john/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained twenty or thirty gallons. <a href="/hcsb/john/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now six stone water jars had been set there for Jewish purification. Each contained 20 or 30 gallons. <a href="/asv/john/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. <a href="/cev/john/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At the feast there were six stone water jars that were used by the people for washing themselves in the way that their religion said they must. Each jar held about 100 liters. <a href="/erv/john/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. <a href="/gwt/john/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Six stone water jars were there. They were used for Jewish purification rituals. Each jar held 18 to 27 gallons. <a href="/gnt/john/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> The Jews have rules about ritual washing, and for this purpose six stone water jars were there, each one large enough to hold between twenty and thirty gallons. <a href="/isv/john/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now standing there were six stone water jars used for the Jewish rites of purification, each one holding from two to three measures. <a href="/msb/john/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. <a href="/net/john/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. <a href="/nheb/john/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now there were six stone water jars set there after the Jewish manner of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. <a href="/wbt/john/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there were six stone jars standing there (in accordance with the Jewish regulations for purification) <a href="/web/john/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/john/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And there were six water-jugs of stone there, placed according to the purifying of the Jews, holding each two or three measures. <a href="/blb/john/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now there were six stone water jars standing there, according to the purification of the Jews, having space for two or three metretae. <a href="/ylt/john/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And there were there six water-jugs of stone, placed according to the purifying of the Jews, holding each two or three measures. <a href="/slt/john/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And six stone water buckets were placed there, according to the purification of the Jews, containing each two or three measures.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/john/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three measures apiece. <a href="/cpdv/john/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now in that place, there were six stone water jars, for the purification ritual of the Jews, containing two or three measures each. <a href="/nabre/john/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Now there were six stone water jars there for Jewish ceremonial washings, each holding twenty to thirty gallons. <a href="/nrsvce/john/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now standing there were six stone water jars for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/john/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And there were six stone jars placed there for the purification of the Jews, which could hold several gallons each. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/john/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But there were there six watercasks of stone, set for the purifying of the Judeans, which held two or three nine-gallon-measures each.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/john/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Now, according to the Jewish custom of purifying, six water-pots of stone had been set there, containing each two or three baths.<CM> <a href="/godbey/john/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> And there were six waterpots of stone sitting there according to the purification of the Jews, containing about two or three firkins. Jesus says to them, <a href="/haweis/john/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Now there stood there six large stone jars, for the customary purifying ablution of the Jews, containing two or three baths each. <a href="/mace/john/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> now there were six cisterns of stone plac'd there for the use of the Jews in their purifications, containing two or three firkins a-piece. <a href="/wey/john/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Now there were six stone jars standing there (in accordance with the Jewish regulations for purification) <a href="/worrell/john/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the Jews' manner of purifying, containing, each, two or three firkins. <a href="/worsley/john/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> And there were six stone waterpots, placed according to the custom of purifying among the Jews, containing each about two or three firkins. <a href="/parallel/john/2-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ixy2bchmXZ0?start=435" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/john/2.htm">The Wedding at Cana</a> …5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.” 6<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Now</a> <a href="/greek/1803.htm" title="1803: hex (Adj-NFP) -- Six. A primary numeral; six.">six</a> <a href="/greek/3035.htm" title="3035: lithinai (Adj-NFP) -- Made of stone. From lithos; stony, i.e. Made of stone.">stone</a> <a href="/greek/5201.htm" title="5201: hydriai (N-NFP) -- A water pot, jar, pitcher. From hudor; a water-jar, i.e. Receptacle for family supply.">water jars</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: Ēsan (V-IIA-3P) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">had been</a> <a href="/greek/2749.htm" title="2749: keimenai (V-PPM/P-NFP) -- To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched.">set</a> <a href="/greek/1563.htm" title="1563: ekei (Adv) -- (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.">there</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kata (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">for</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/2453.htm" title="2453: Ioudaiōn (Adj-GMP) -- Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah.">Jewish</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2512.htm" title="2512: katharismon (N-AMS) -- From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation.">rites of purification.</a> <a href="/greek/5562.htm" title="5562: chōrousai (V-PPA-NFP) -- From chora; to be in space, i.e. to pass, enter, or to hold, admit.">Each could hold</a> <a href="/greek/303.htm" title="303: ana (Adv) -- A primary preposition and adverb; properly, up; but used severally, or at.">from</a> <a href="/greek/1417.htm" title="1417: dyo (Adj-AMP) -- Two. A primary numeral; two.">twenty to thirty gallons.</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than."></a> <a href="/greek/5140.htm" title="5140: treis (Adj-AMP) -- Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; three."></a> <a href="/greek/3355.htm" title="3355: metrētas (N-AMP) -- From metreo; a measurer, i.e., a certain standard measure of capacity for liquids."></a> 7Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1-7</a> Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ... <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3-4</a> Now in holding to the tradition of the elders, the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat until they wash their hands ceremonially. / And on returning from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other traditions for them to observe, including the washing of cups, pitchers, kettles, and couches for dining. <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2</a> “Why do Your disciples break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands before they eat.” <a href="/exodus/30-17.htm">Exodus 30:17-21</a> And the LORD said to Moses, / “You are to make a bronze basin with a bronze stand for washing. Set it between the Tent of Meeting and the altar, and put water in it, / with which Aaron and his sons are to wash their hands and feet. ... <a href="/leviticus/11-32.htm">Leviticus 11:32</a> When one of them dies and falls on something, that article becomes unclean; any article of wood, clothing, leather, sackcloth, or any implement used for work must be rinsed with water and will remain unclean until evening; then it will be clean. <a href="/numbers/19-11.htm">Numbers 19:11-22</a> Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. / He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. / Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him. ... <a href="/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25-26</a> Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing. / So John’s disciples came to him and said, “Look, Rabbi, the One who was with you beyond the Jordan, the One you testified about—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.” <a href="/john/4-28.htm">John 4:28-29</a> Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, / “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?” <a href="/john/7-37.htm">John 7:37-39</a> On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. / Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” / He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified. <a href="/john/13-4.htm">John 13:4-10</a> So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. / After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. / He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” ... <a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-26</a> Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well. <a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Luke 11:39</a> Then the Lord said, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. <a href="/hebrews/9-10.htm">Hebrews 9:10</a> They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform. <a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">1 Peter 3:21</a> And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, <a href="/isaiah/1-16.htm">Isaiah 1:16</a> Wash and cleanse yourselves. Remove your evil deeds from My sight. Stop doing evil!</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.after.<a href="/john/3-25.htm">John 3:25</a> Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.<a href="/mark/7-2.htm">Mark 7:2-5</a> And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault… <a href="/ephesians/5-26.htm">Ephesians 5:26</a> That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/luke/2-20.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/luke/9-3.htm">Apiece</a> <a href="/ezekiel/45-11.htm">Containing</a> <a href="/luke/22-39.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Firkins</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Gallons</a> <a href="/luke/24-17.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/matthew/25-4.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/luke/23-51.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/1-19.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/luke/11-42.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/luke/24-17.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/luke/2-8.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/luke/23-55.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/mark/7-8.htm">Pots</a> <a href="/luke/5-15.htm">Purification</a> <a href="/luke/2-22.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/luke/22-22.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/luke/1-6.htm">Regulations</a> <a href="/numbers/9-3.htm">Rites</a> <a href="/luke/13-14.htm">Six</a> <a href="/john/1-35.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/john/1-42.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/luke/3-24.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/luke/24-21.htm">Three</a> <a href="/luke/14-31.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/john/1-33.htm">Water</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Waterpots</a> <a href="/john/1-23.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/john/19-7.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/exodus/16-16.htm">Apiece</a> <a href="/exodus/23-18.htm">Containing</a> <a href="/john/18-39.htm">Custom</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Firkins</a> <a href="/luke/16-6.htm">Gallons</a> <a href="/john/8-44.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Jars</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Jewish</a> <a href="/john/2-13.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/john/4-23.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/john/6-11.htm">Manner</a> <a href="/john/18-22.htm">Nearby</a> <a href="/john/3-35.htm">Placed</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Pots</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">Purification</a> <a href="/john/3-25.htm">Purifying</a> <a href="/john/4-27.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/ephesians/2-15.htm">Regulations</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/9-13.htm">Rites</a> <a href="/john/2-20.htm">Six</a> <a href="/john/6-22.htm">Standing</a> <a href="/john/8-5.htm">Stone</a> <a href="/john/5-5.htm">Thirty</a> <a href="/john/2-12.htm">Three</a> <a href="/john/6-19.htm">Twenty</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Water</a> <a href="/john/2-7.htm">Waterpots</a> <a href="/john/4-6.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">John 2</div>1. <a href="/john/2-1.htm">Jesus turns water into wine;</a> 12. <a href="/john/2-12.htm">departs into Capernaum,</a> 13. <a href="/john/2-13.htm">and to Jerusalem,</a> 14. <a href="/john/2-14.htm">where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers.</a> 18. <a href="/john/2-18.htm">He foretells his death and resurrection.</a> 23. <a href="/john/2-23.htm">Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/john/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/john/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now six stone water jars had been set there The presence of six stone water jars is significant in the context of Jewish customs. Stone jars were used because they were considered less likely to become ritually impure compared to earthenware. The number six, often associated with imperfection or incompleteness in biblical numerology, contrasts with the perfection of the miracle Jesus is about to perform. This setting is at a wedding in Cana, a small village in Galilee, highlighting the humble beginnings of Jesus' public ministry.for the Jewish rites of purification These purification rites were part of the Mosaic Law, emphasizing the importance of ritual cleanliness. The water in these jars was used for washing hands and utensils, a practice rooted in the traditions of the elders (<a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Mark 7:3-4</a>). This context underscores the transition from the old covenant, focused on external purification, to the new covenant, which emphasizes internal transformation through Christ. The use of these jars for a miracle signifies a shift from the old ways to the new life Jesus offers.Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons The large capacity of these jars, approximately 120 to 180 gallons in total, highlights the abundance of the miracle. This abundance is a recurring theme in Jesus' ministry, reflecting God's generous provision (<a href="/john/10-10.htm">John 10:10</a>). The transformation of such a large quantity of water into wine also symbolizes the overflowing grace and blessings found in Christ. This miracle prefigures the new wine of the kingdom of God, as seen in the eschatological banquet imagery in <a href="/isaiah/25-6.htm">Isaiah 25:6</a> and <a href="/revelation/19-9.htm">Revelation 19:9</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a> - Central figure in the Gospel of John, performing His first recorded miracle at the wedding in Cana. 2. <a href="/topical/w/wedding_at_cana.htm">Wedding at Cana</a> - The setting of Jesus' first miracle, where He turned water into wine. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_rites_of_purification.htm">Jewish Rites of Purification</a> - Ceremonial practices in Judaism involving water for cleansing, highlighting the cultural and religious context of the event. 4. <a href="/topical/s/stone_water_jars.htm">Stone Water Jars</a> - Large containers used for purification, symbolizing the old covenant and Jewish traditions. 5. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> - Followers of Jesus who witnessed the miracle, strengthening their faith in Him.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_purification.htm">Symbolism of Purification</a> The stone jars represent the old covenant and the Jewish law. Jesus' transformation of water into wine signifies the new covenant and the transformative power of His ministry. <a href="/topical/a/abundance_in_christ.htm">Abundance in Christ</a> The large capacity of the jars (20-30 gallons each) symbolizes the abundance and generosity of God's grace through Jesus. <a href="/topical/t/transformation.htm">Transformation</a> Just as Jesus transformed water into wine, He transforms our lives. This miracle is a sign of His power to change the ordinary into the extraordinary. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_obedience.htm">Faith and Obedience</a> The servants' obedience in filling the jars with water demonstrates faith in Jesus' instructions, a model for our own faith and obedience. <a href="/topical/n/new_beginnings.htm">New Beginnings</a> The miracle at the wedding signifies the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, inviting us to consider the new beginnings He offers in our lives.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_john_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from John 2</a> <a href="/q/why_no_evidence_of_water_to_wine.htm">Why is there no scientific evidence of water turning into wine?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_jesus_turn_water_to_wine.htm">Why did Jesus transform water into wine?</a> <a href="/q/is_cana's_wedding_feast_historically_credible.htm">How credible is the historical setting of a large wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1–11), given limited archeological evidence for the town? </a> <a href="/q/is_john_17's_prayer_eyewitnessed_or_theology.htm">Is there any historical or archaeological evidence that John 17’s prayer was documented by eyewitnesses, or is it purely a theological construct?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/john/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(6) Waterpots, or pitchers, like to but larger than the vessels used for carrying water, as in <a href="/john/4-28.htm" title="The woman then left her water pot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men,">John 4:28</a>. These were placed in the outer court, away from the guest-chamber, for the governor of the feast is ignorant of the circumstances (<a href="/john/2-9.htm" title="When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not from where it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,">John 2:9</a>). It is natural that an eyewitness should remember the number and know roughly their size. There were six of them, containing about twenty gallons apiece; but hidden meanings referring to the number or the quantity are brought to the text, not derived from it. The measure rendered "firkin" is metretes, which is used for the Hebrew, "bath" in <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm" title="And the thickness of it was an handbreadth, and the brim of it like the work of the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies; and it received and held three thousand baths.">2Chronicles 4:5</a>. This (Jos. Ant. viii. 2, ? 9) gives nearly nine gallons as the value of the "firkin," which multiplied by two or three gives the contents of each pitcher as from about eighteen to twenty-seven gallons; or, approximately, from 100 to 150 gallons for the whole. Our own word "firkin" is probably "a little fourth," and equal to nine gallons, or the fourth of a barrel (comp. Tierce, which is one-third). It is used only here in the Bible.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/john/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 6. - Now there were (set, or) placed there six water pots of stone, after the Jews' manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. Stone was often used for these receptacles, as more calculated to preserve the purity of the water (Wunsche refers to 'Beza,' 2:2; Westcott quotes 'Sofa,' 4; Barclay, in his translation of 'Mishna,' § 17, enumerates earthenware and other material as lawful). It is interesting that these stone jars are still used in this very neighbourhood for like purposes ('Pict. Palestine'). This large number of jars of considerable magnitude was doubtless due in part to the number of the guests, and to the scrupulous attention to ceremonial purity that was enjoined by the oral law (see 'Mishna,' § 17; and Lightfoot, in loc.). They were accustomed to wash, not only the hands, but "cups, brazen vessels, and tables" (see <a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2</a> and parallel passages). (For this use of κατά, see <a href="/2_timothy/1-1.htm">2 Timothy 1:1</a>, in which "according to" easily passes into the sense of "for the sake of, after the manner of.") The Attic measure metretes was equal to the Hebrew bath (Josephus, 'Ant.,' 8:02. 9), and stands for it in the LXX. of <a href="/2_chronicles/4-5.htm">2 Chronicles 4:5</a>, and this equalled 1.5 Roman amphorae, 8 gallons + 7.5 pints. So that six jars containing 2 or 3 metretes, say 2.5 = 6 x 2.5 x 8 gallons + 7.5 pints = 6 x 2.5 × 71.5 pints = 134 gallons and a fraction. The jars may have differed in shape, according as they were adapted for different purposes; but ἀνά must be translated distributively, and we cannot evade the enormous capacity of the jars, and therefore the abundance of the gift thus provided. Various efforts have been made to reduce the extent of the provision; but the obvious implication of the narrative is that the six jars were the locale of the miracle. Dr. Moulton and Dr. Westcott suggest that these water pots were filled with pure water, but that the wine was "drawn" from the water supply to which the servants had access, and that no more wine was provided than that which was borne to the governor of the feast. Others have supposed that simply the water drawn from the jars was transformed in the process. These suppositions make the entire reference to the water pots extremely obscure and unnecessary. The large quantity of wine thus offered to these humble folks corresponds with the affluence of Nature in all her moods - the munificence of spring blossoms, the harvest of the sea, the exuberance of sunlight, the superfluity of rain that falls on the oceans, the copiousness of all God's ways. When, on other occasions, the Lord added to the supplies of food in fishes and bread, his lavish abundance corresponds with the riches of his loving kindness on this occasion. There was provided, not the material for a meal, but an ample dowry for such a bride. No mere magical change, momentarily confounding perception and leaving no trace behind, but a supply which would be a standing proof of the reality of what had been done. <a href="/commentaries/john/2-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Now δὲ (de) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> A primary particle; but, and, etc. six ἓξ (hex) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1803.htm">Strong's 1803: </a> Six. A primary numeral; six. stone λίθιναι (lithinai) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3035.htm">Strong's 3035: </a> Made of stone. From lithos; stony, i.e. Made of stone. water jars ὑδρίαι (hydriai) Noun - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5201.htm">Strong's 5201: </a> A water pot, jar, pitcher. From hudor; a water-jar, i.e. Receptacle for family supply. had been Ἦσαν (Ēsan) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. set κείμεναι (keimenai) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2749.htm">Strong's 2749: </a> To lie, recline, be placed, be laid, set, specially appointed, destined. Middle voice of a primary verb; to lie outstretched. there ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_1563.htm">Strong's 1563: </a> (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. for κατὰ (kata) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Jewish Ἰουδαίων (Ioudaiōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2453.htm">Strong's 2453: </a> Jewish. From Iouda; Judaean, i.e. Belonging to Jehudah. [rites of] purification. καθαρισμὸν (katharismon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2512.htm">Strong's 2512: </a> From katharizo; a washing off, i.e. ablution, expiation. [Each] could hold χωροῦσαι (chōrousai) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5562.htm">Strong's 5562: </a> From chora; to be in space, i.e. to pass, enter, or to hold, admit. from ἀνὰ (ana) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_303.htm">Strong's 303: </a> A primary preposition and adverb; properly, up; but used severally, or at. twenty to thirty gallons. δύο (dyo) Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1417.htm">Strong's 1417: </a> Two. A primary numeral; 'two'. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/john/2-6.htm">John 2:6 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/john/2-6.htm">NT Gospels: John 2:6 Now there were six water pots (Jhn Jo Jn) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/john/2-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="John 2:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="John 2:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/john/2-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="John 2:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="John 2:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>