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.

John 2:6 nkjv

Now there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of purification of the Jews, containing twenty or thirty gallons apiece.

John 2:6 niv

Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons.

John 2:6 esv

Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons.

John 2:6 nlt

Standing nearby were six stone water jars, used for Jewish ceremonial washing. Each could hold twenty to thirty gallons.

John 2 verses

John 2 6 Meaning

John 2:6 describes the immediate context for Jesus' first sign at the wedding in Cana. It specifies the presence of six stone waterpots used for Jewish ritual purification, noting their significant capacity. These vessels, traditionally for ceremonial washings, were the containers into which Jesus commanded water to be poured, which He then miraculously transformed into wine. The verse sets the scene by highlighting both the ordinary, ritualistic implements and their considerable size, hinting at the extraordinary abundance to come.

John 2 6 Context

John 2:6 is situated within the narrative of the wedding at Cana in Galilee, the first of Jesus' signs recorded by John. The preceding verses introduce Jesus' mother, Jesus, and His disciples as guests at a wedding feast where the wine runs out, creating potential social disgrace for the host family. Jesus' mother informs Him of the lack of wine, subtly prompting Him. This verse then precisely describes the vessels available on the scene. Historically and culturally, these stone waterpots signify the diligent practice of Jewish purification laws, which were foundational to their religious life under the Mosaic Covenant. Purity rituals were pervasive, extending to hands, vessels, and specific events, emphasizing separation from defilement. The presence of six such pots underscores the prevailing observance of these traditions among devout Jews. The stage is thus set for a transition: the old rituals are present, but a new, greater reality is about to manifest through Jesus' miraculous power, fulfilling and surpassing them.

John 2 6 Word analysis

• Now there were set there six waterpots of stone: This highlights specific details about the vessels used. "Six" (ἕξ - hex) suggests completeness short of seven, which symbolizes divine perfection, perhaps indicating the incompleteness of the old covenant system. "Waterpots" (ὑδρίαι - hydriai) specifies large jars, usually made of earthenware, but here notably "of stone" (λίθιναι - lithinai). Stone was preferred for purification vessels as it was less prone to ceremonial defilement than pottery (which could become unclean and had to be broken). This emphasizes their function in ritual purity.
• after the manner of the purifying of the Jews: This phrase (κατὰ τὸν καθαρισμὸν τῶν Ἰουδαίων - kata ton katharismon tōn Ioudaiōn) is crucial. "Purifying" refers to ceremonial cleansing, specifically the numerous ablutions and washings prescribed by Jewish tradition and Rabbinic interpretations of the Mosaic Law (e.g., washing hands before meals, after markets, etc.). It clearly grounds the context in contemporary Jewish religious practices, pointing to their focus on external purity. The specific mention "of the Jews" distinguishes it, implying a shift from this ritualistic cleansing to something new provided by Jesus.
• containing two or three firkins apiece: This indicates the enormous capacity of the pots. A "firkin" (μετρητής - metrētēs) was a Greek liquid measure, equivalent to roughly 8.5 to 9 gallons (approximately 33 to 34 liters). Thus, each pot held between 17 to 27 gallons (66-102 liters). For six pots, this totals a colossal 102 to 162 gallons (396 to 612 liters) of water. This immense quantity underscores the lavish abundance of the miracle and surpasses any ordinary human need, signifying divine generosity and overflowing blessing, especially when considering the contrast between water for mere ritual cleansing and wine for celebration.

John 2 6 Bonus section

The "six" waterpots, short of the perfect number "seven," subtly hints at the inadequacy or incompleteness of the Old Covenant's purification system to provide ultimate satisfaction or transformation. These empty vessels of external religious observance are then filled by Christ and become the conduit for a superior, internally transforming reality. This scene at Cana thus highlights Christ as the One who not only brings abundance but fulfills and transcends the old religious order. It showcases Jesus not abolishing the Law, but bringing it to its intended culmination, turning water meant for external washings into a symbol of spiritual newness and celebratory joy.

John 2 6 Commentary

John 2:6 is more than a mere descriptive detail; it serves as a powerful theological bridge. The six stone waterpots, dedicated to Jewish purification rites, symbolize the ritualistic and often burdensome practices of the Old Covenant, particularly the law's emphasis on external cleansing and separation from defilement. The very material—stone—signified a non-porous vessel resistant to contamination, emblematic of the Law's meticulous concern for ritual purity. The immense capacity of these pots, totaling over a hundred gallons, underscores the vast quantity of the mundane, ritualistic water that was now to be transformed. This sets the stage for Jesus to not just fill, but to transform the water, indicating His fulfillment and transcendence of the Old Covenant's external purity. He transforms the instruments of burdensome legalistic observance into vessels of joyous celebration and new life. It signifies a shift from the law's demanding purification, which only pointed to sin, to Christ's abundant grace and life, which genuinely cleanses and satisfies. The "good wine" (Jn 2:10) is presented at the end, not at the beginning, indicating that the New Covenant's provision is superior and lasts.