John 2

And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there:

And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage.

And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come.

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

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

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brethren, and his disciples: and they continued there not many days.

And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting:

And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables;

And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise.

And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things?

Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.

Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days?

But he spake of the temple of his body.

When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them; and they believed the scripture, and the word which Jesus had said.

Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles which he did.

But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because he knew all men,

And needed not that any should testify of man: for he knew what was in man.

What does John 2:6 mean?

Explanation

John 2:6 describes a scene at the Wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed his first public miracle by turning water into wine.

The verse states that there were six stone waterpots used for the Jewish rite of purification, each holding two to three firkins of water.

A firkin is an old British unit of volume equivalent to approximately nine gallons or one-fourth of a barrel.

This detail sets the stage for the miracle, as it specifies the quantity and purpose of the pots that Jesus would use to demonstrate his divine power.

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Historical Context

The verse is set within the context of a Jewish wedding during the time of Jesus.

Such weddings were significant social events that could last for days, and the availability of wine was essential for festivity and hospitality.

The waterpots mentioned were customarily used for ritual washing, demonstrating adherence to religious purity laws.

Stone pots were preferred over those made from other materials because stone was less likely to become ritually unclean.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse underscores the importance of purification in Jewish tradition and presents Jesus as someone who respects and fulfills these customs, albeit in a transformative manner.

The use of water jars can be interpreted as symbolizing the old covenant rites being filled with new wine, representing the new covenant that Jesus brings.

Furthermore, the ample quantity of water underscores the abundance of Jesus' coming ministry.

Practical Applications

The practical application of John 2:6 can be seen in the encouragement to have faith for miracles in everyday life and to consider the potential of ordinary things to be used for extraordinary purposes.

It also provides a lesson on the value of being sensitive to the needs of others, as Jesus showed concern for the potential embarrassment of the wedding hosts due to the lack of wine.

Cross-References

Matthew 15:2 - "Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread."
Mark 7:3-4 - "For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders...and when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not.

And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables."

Luke 22:20 - "Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
John 4:14 - "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

Language Study

Waterpots: In the original Greek, the word is "ὑδρίας" (hydrias), which literally means water vessels, justifying their use for holding large volumes of water.
Stone: "λίθιναι" (lithinai) refers to materials made of stone, emphasizing purity and durability.
After the manner of the purifying of the Jews: This phrase indicates that the pots were used in accordance with Jewish rituals for purification.
Firkins: A "μετρητὴς" (metretes) is the Greek term translated as "firkin," a measure of capacity for liquids which equates to about 8.75 gallons or 39 liters.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This miracle of turning water into wine echoes transformations found in other religious and mythological stories, such as the Greek god Dionysus turning water into wine.

However, in the context of Jesus' miracle, the transformation is symbolic of a shift from old Jewish purification rituals to the abundance and grace of Christian salvation.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, turning water into wine would involve changing the composition of water (H2O) by adding organic compounds to create alcohol (ethanol) and other elements that make up wine.

This process, from a natural standpoint, occurs over time through fermentation.

The instantaneous transformation in the Bible could not be explained by natural scientific processes and is therefore deemed a supernatural event by believers.

Commentaries

Commentators through the ages have offered various insights into John 2:6.

Many remark on the symbolic importance of the purification jars and the link between water, a symbol of cleansing and purification in the Old Testament, and wine, a symbol of joy and celebration in the New Testament.

Matthew Henry's commentary emphasizes the readiness of Christ to show mercy and blessing.

The Pulpit Commentary notes the significance of the number six, as being one short of seven, which is seen as a number of completeness in the Jewish tradition, thereby hinting at something new about to happen.

John 2

John 2

What does John 2:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does John 2:6 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated John Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?