Keraia
John 2

John 2:6

The Wedding at Cana · John 2:1–11
Read John 2

Translations

Modern
Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.
Traditional
And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Literal
Now there were six stone water jars lying there, according to the purification of the Jews, having space for two or three metretae.
Latin
Erant autem ibi lapideæ hydriæ sex positæ secundum purificationem Judæorum, capientes singulæ metretas binas vel ternas.

Interlinear

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

Notes

John 2:6

The stone water jars were cut from solid rock. They were used for Jewish purification ceremonies (religious washing rituals; see Mark 7:1–4).

Jesus was about to give new meaning to these ceremonies. He would show that something greater than ritual washing was now present.

John 2:1–10:42

Jesus showed who he is and what he came to do through the religious practices and festivals of the Jewish people (see 2:1; 5:1). He used these familiar events to reveal his identity and his mission.

John 2:1–25

In this section, Jesus appeared at two symbolic Jewish ceremonies. At a wedding in Cana (2:1–12), he replaced the ritual cleansing water with his own superior wine. Later, around Passover, he cleansed the temple (2:13–25).

Events

Measurements

  • thirty gallons: About 20.8 to 31.2 gal (78.8 to 118.1 l)

People

Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Cana Deacon, Deaconess Desire Firkin Galilee Jesus Christ John, Gospel of Meaning of Meals in the Bible Miracle Sign Weights and Measures

Topics

Cana: Marriage At Firkin: About Nine Gallons Jesus, the Christ: Miracle at Cana of Galilee Jesus, the Christ: Miracles of Water Made Into Wine Marriage: Celebrated with Feasting Mary: The Mother of Jesus is Present with Jesus at a Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee Measure: A Firkin, Nearly Nine Gallons Measures of Liquids and Solids: Firkin Miracles of Jesus, in Chronological Order: Water Converted Into Wine Natural Life: Be Thankful For: The Preservation of Purifications or Baptisms: Vessels in the Houses of the Jews For The Miracles of Christ: Water Turned to Wine Water: Changed to Wine Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots