John 2:6

John 2:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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

King James Version 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now six pots of stone, every one taking two or three firkins of water, were placed there for the purpose of washing, as is the way of the Jews.

Free Bible Version FBV

Standing nearby were six stone jars used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each one holding twenty to thirty gallons.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And there were set there, sixe waterpots of stone, after the maner of the purifying of the Iewes, conteining two or three firkins a piece.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And there were there six water-jugs of stone, placed according to the purifying of the Jews, holding each two or three measures.

World English Bible WEB

Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

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.

Translation for Translators T4T

There were six empty stone jars there. The Jews habitually put water in them to use for washing things to make them acceptable to God. Each jar held ◄20 to 30 gallons/80 to 120 liters►.

Plain English Version PEV

In that place there were 6 stone pots for water. The Jewish people used those pots for their washing ceremonies. Each pot held about 100 litres of water.

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Berean Amplified Bible — John 2:6

BAB

Word Study

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John 2:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ησαν δε εκει υδριαι λιθιναι εξ κειμεναι κατα τον καθαρισμον των ιουδαιων χωρουσαι ανα μετρητας δυο η τρεις

ησαν eimi G1510 to be Verb-IAI-3P

δε de G1161 then Conj

εκει ekei G1563 there Adv

υδριαι hudria G5201 jar Noun-NPF

λιθιναι lithinos G3035 stone Adj-NPF

εξ hex G1803 six Adj-NUI

κειμεναι keimai G2749 to lay/be appointed Verb-PNP-NPF

κατα kata G2596 according to Prep

τον ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASM

καθαρισμον katharismos G2512 cleansing Noun-ASM

των ho G3588 the/this/who Art-GPM

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 Jew Adj-GPM

χωρουσαι chōreō G5562 to make room for Verb-PAP-NPF

ανα ana G303 each Prep

μετρητας metrētēs G3355 measure Noun-APM

δυο duo G1417 two Adj-NUI

η ē G2228 or Particle

τρεις treis G5140 Three Adj-APM

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Greek Word Reference — John 2:6

ησαν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-IAI-3P

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

δε de G1161 "then" Conj

This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.

Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.

εκει ekei G1563 "there" Adv

This word means 'there' or 'to that place', as in Matthew 2:13. It's used to point to a location or direction. In the Bible, it helps describe where events happen.

Definition: ἐκεῖ adv., [in LXX chiefly for שָׁם ;] __1. properly, of place, there: Mat.2:13 5:24, al.; οἱ ἐ., Mat.26:71; οὗ . . . ἐ., Mat.6:21 18:20 24:28, Mrk.6:10, Luk.12:34; pleonastic, ὅπου . . . ἐ. (= שָׁם אֲשֶׁר, Deu.4:5, al.), Rev.12:6, 14 (cf. Bl., § 50, 4). __2. As often in cl. (Hdt., Thuc., al.), with verbs of motion, for ἐκεῖσε, thither: Mat.2:22 17:20 24:28 26:36, Mrk.6:33, Luk.12:18 17:37 21:2, Jhn.11:8 18:2-3, Rom.15:24 (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place) See also: 2 Corinthians 3:17; Mark 1:38; Hebrews 7:8.

υδριαι hudria G5201 "jar" Noun-NPF

A jar or water-pot is a container used to hold liquids, and is mentioned in the Bible as part of everyday life, as seen in John 2:6 and John 4:28.

Definition: ὑδρία, -ας, ἠ (ὕδωρ), [in LXX for בַּד ;] __1. prop., a water-pot or jar: Jhn.2:6, 7 John 4:28. __2. More frequently in Attic = ἄγγυς, a pot, urn or jar of any kind, as for holding wine, coins, etc. (see Rutherford, NPhr., 23; MM, xxv).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: water-pot See also: John 2:6; John 2:7; John 4:28.

λιθιναι lithinos G3035 "stone" Adj-NPF

Made of stone describes something created from stone, like the stone jars in John 2:6. It is also used to describe the stone tablets in 2 Corinthians 3:3.

Definition: λίθινος, -η, -ον (λίθος) [in LXX for אֶבֶן ;] of stone: Jhn.2:6, 2Co.3:3, Rev.9:20.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: of stone See also: 2 Corinthians 3:3; John 2:6; Revelation 9:20.

εξ hex G1803 "six" Adj-NUI

This Greek word simply means the number six, used in various passages like Matthew 17:1 and Luke 13:14 to describe quantities or counts.

Definition: ἕξ, οἱ, αἱ, τά indecl., six: Mat.17:1, Luk.13:14, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 13 NT verses. KJV: six See also: Acts 11:12; John 12:1; James 5:17.

κειμεναι keimai G2749 "to lay/be appointed" Verb-PNP-NPF

To lay or be appointed means to be placed or set in a particular position, as seen in Matthew 28:6 and Luke 2:12, where it describes the placement of Jesus' body in the tomb and the laying of a baby in a manger.

Definition: κεῖμαι [in LXX: Jer.24:1 (יָעַד hoph,), al. ;] used as passive of τίθημι (LS, see word), to be laid, to lie; __(a) of persons: an infant, Luk.2:12, 16; a dead body, Mat.28:6, Luk.23:53, Jhn.20:12; __(b) of things, to lie, be laid or set, stand: Mat.5:14, Jhn.2:6 19:29 20:5-7 21:9, Rev.4:2 21:16; trop., Θεμέλιος, 1Co.3:11; before prep. with accusative, πρός, Mat.3:10, Luk.3:9; εἰς, Luk.12:19; ἐπί, trop., κάλυμμα, 2Co.3:15. Metaphorical, ὁ κόσμος ἐν τ. πονηριῷ κ., 1Jn.5:19; to be laid down, appointed: of law, with dative of person(s), 1Ti.1:9; before εἰς with accusative (of purpose), Luk.2:34, Php.1:16, 1Th.3:3 (cf. ἀνά-, συν-ανά-, ἀντί-, ἀπό-, ἐπί-, κατά-, παρά-, περί-, πρό-κειμαι).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 26 NT verses. KJV: be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie See also: 1 Corinthians 3:11; Luke 2:12; Revelation 4:2.

κατα kata G2596 "according to" Prep

According to means following or matching something. In the Bible, it's used to talk about things happening in line with God's plan or will, like in Matthew 8:32 and Mark 5:13.

Definition: κατά (bef. a vowel κατ᾽, καθ᾽; on the frequently neglect of elision, see Tdf., Pr., 95; WH, App., 146a), prep. with genitive, accusative, down, downwards. __I. C. genitive (WM, §47, k; Bl., §42, 2). __1. C. genitive of thing(s), in local sense; __(a) down, down from: Mat.8:32, Mrk.5:13, Luk.8:33, 1Co.11:4; __(b) throughout (late usage; Bl, l.with): κ. ὅλης κ.τ.λ., Luk.4:14 23:5, Act.9:31 10:37; __(with) in a peculiar adjectival phrase: ἡ κ. βάθους, deep or extreme poverty, 2Co.8:2. __ __2. C. genitive of person(s), usually in hostile sense; __(a) against (in cl. only after verbs of speaking, witnessing, etc.): opposite to ὑπέρ, Mrk.9:40; μετά, Mat.12:30; after ἐπιθυμεῖν, Gal.5:17; λαλεῖν, Act.6:13; διδάσκειν, Act.21:28; ψεύδεσθαι, Jas.3:14; after verbs of accusing, etc., Mat.5:23, Luk.23:14, Rom.8:33, al.; verbs of fighting, prevailing, etc., Mat.10:35, Act.14:2, 1Co.4:6, al.; __(b) of swearing, by: όμνυμι κ. (BL, §34, 1), He 6:13,16, cf. Mat.26:63. __II. C. accusative (WM, §49d; BL, §42, 2). __1. Of motion or direction; __(a) through, throughout: Luk.8:39 9:6 10:4, Act.8:1, 36 al.; __(b) to, towards, over against: Luk.10:32 (Field, Notes, 62), Act.2:1o 16:7, Gal.2:11, Php.3:14, al.; __ __(with) in adverbial phrases, at, in, by, of: κατ᾽ οἶκον, at home, Act.2:46; κατ᾽ ἰδίαν (see: ἴδιος); καθ᾽ ἑαυτόν, Act.28:16, Rom.14:22, Jas.2:17; with pron. of person(s), Act.17:28 18:15, Rom.1:15, Eph.1:15, al. __2. Of time, at, during, about: Act.8:26 12:1 19:23, Rom.9:9 Heb.1:10, al. __3. Distributive; __(a) of place: κ. τόποὐς, Mat.24:7, al.; κ. πόλιν, Luk.8:1, 4 al.; κ. ἐκκλησίαν, Act.14:23. __(b) of time: κ. ἔτος, Luk.2:41; ἑορτήν, Mat.27:15, al.; __(with) of numbers, etc.: καθ᾽ ἕνα πάντες, 1Co.14:31 (on καθ᾽ εἷς, see: εἷς); κ. ἑκατόν, Mrk.6:40; κ. μέρος, Heb.9:5; κ. ὄνομα, Jhn.10:3. __4. Of fitness, reference, conformity, etc.; __(a) in relation to, concerning: Rom.1:3, 4 7:22 9:3, 5, 1Co.12:6 10:18, Php.1:12; κ. πάντα, Act.17:22, Col.3:20, 22 Heb.2:17 4:15; __(b) according to, after, like: Mrk.7:5, Luk.2:27, 29 Jhn.7:24 Rom.8:4 14:15, Eph.2:2, Col.2:8, Jas.2:8, al. __III. In composition, κ. denotes, __1. down, down from (καταβαίνω), etc.), hence, metaphorically; __(a) victory or rule over (καταδουλόω, -κυριεύω, etc.); __(b) "perfective" action (M, Pr., 111ff.). __2. under (κατακαλύπτω), etc.). __3. in succession (καθεξῆς). __4. after, behind (καταλείπω). __5. Hostility, against (καταλαλέω). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 435 NT verses. KJV: about, according as (to), after, against, (when they were) X alone, among, and, X apart, (even, like) as (concerning, pertaining to touching), X aside, at, before, beyond, by, to the charge of, (charita-)bly, concerning, + covered, (dai-)ly, down, every, (+ far more) exceeding, X more excellent, for, from … to, godly, in(-asmuch, divers, every, -to, respect of), … by, after the manner of, + by any means, beyond (out of) measure, X mightily, more, X natural, of (up-)on (X part), out (of every), over against, (+ your) X own, + particularly, so, through(-oughout, -oughout every), thus, (un-)to(-gether, -ward), X uttermost, where(-by), with See also: 1 Corinthians 1:26; Acts 10:37; 1 Peter 1:2.

τον ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

καθαρισμον katharismos G2512 "cleansing" Noun-ASM

A cleansing or purification, like the kind required after childbirth in Luke 2:22. It can also refer to spiritual cleansing from sin.

Definition: καθαρισμός, -oῦ, τό (καθαρίζω). [in LXX for טָהֵר, טׇהֳרָה, etc. ;] cleansing, purification: Jhn.3:25; with genitive subjc., τ. Ἰουδαίων, Jhn.2:6; with genitive obj., of women after childbirth, Luk.2:22; of lepers, Mrk.1:44, Luk.5:14; with genitive of thing(s), τ. ἁμαρτιῶν, Heb.1:3, 2Pe.1:9 (Cremer, 319).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: cleansing, + purge, purification(-fying) See also: 2 Peter 1:9; John 3:25; Hebrews 1:3.

των ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-GPM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ιουδαιων Ioudaios G2453 "Jew" Adj-GPM

This word means a person from Judah or a Jew, used in Acts 10:28 and John 4:9 to describe people of Jewish descent. It is also used to describe the land of Judah, as in Matthew 2:6.

Definition: Ἰουδαῖος, -αία, -αῖον (Ἰούδας), Jewish: ἀνήρ, Act.10:28 22:3; ἄνθρωπος, Act.21:39; ψευδοπροφήτης, 13:6; ἀσχιερεύς, 19:14; γυνή, 16:1 24:24; γῆ, Jhn.3:22; χώρα, Mrk.1:5. Substantively, __(a) Ἰουδαῖος, ὁ, a Jew: Jhn.4:9, Act.18:24, Rom.2:28; pl., Rev.2:9 3:9; οἱ Ἰ., Mat.2:2, Mrk.7:3, Jhn.2:6, al.; Ἰ. τε καὶ Ἕλληνες, Act.14:1, al.; κ. προσήλυτοι, Act.2:10; ἔθνη τε κ. Ἰ., Act.14:5; οἱ κατὰ τὰ ἔθνη, Act.21:21; of Jewish Christians, Gal.2:13; of the ruling class who opposed Jesus, Jhn.1:19 2:18 5:10 11:8 13:33, al.; __(b) Ἰουδαία, -ας, ἡ (sc. γῆ, χώρα, cf. Jhn.3:22, Mrk.1:5), (Heb. יְהוּדָה), Judæa: Mat.2:1, Luk.1:5, Jhn.4:3, al. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: Jew(-ess), of Judæa See also: 1 Corinthians 1:22; John 2:13; Revelation 2:9.

χωρουσαι chōreō G5562 "to make room for" Verb-PAP-NPF

This verb means to make room for something or someone, used in Matthew 15:17 to describe how food passes through the body.

Definition: χωρέω, -ῶ [in LXX: Gen.13:6 (נָשָׂא), 3Ki.7:26 7:38 (כּוּל hi.), 2Ch.4:5 (חָזַק hi.), Wis.7:23-24, al. ;] __I. Intrans., __1. to make room, give way, retire, pass: before εἰς, Mat.15:17; metaphorically (EV, come), εἰς μετάνοιαν, 2Pe.3:9. __2. to go forward, advance, progress (Plat., Polyb., al.) ὁ λόγος ὁ ἐμὸς οὐ χωρεῖ. ἐν ὑμῖν, Jhn.8:37 (R, txt., hath not free course; R, mg., hath no place, for WH. cf. Field, Notes, 94 f.). __II. Trans., to have space for holding, to hold: Mrk.2:2 (cf. Ge, l.with), Jhn.21:25; of measures (1Ki, 2Ch, ll. with), Jhn.2:6. Metaphorical, of having or making room in mind or heart: Mat.19:11-12 (EV, receive), 2Co.7:2 (R, txt., open your hearts; mg., make room) (cf. ἀνα-, ἀπο-, ἐκ-, ὑπο-χωρέω).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 9 NT verses. KJV: come, contain, go, have place, (can, be room to) receive See also: 2 Corinthians 7:2; John 21:25; Matthew 19:12.

ανα ana G303 "each" Prep

This Greek word means each or every, used to describe individual items. In Matthew 20:9-10, it refers to workers receiving a denarius apiece. It can also mean 'by' or 'in', as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:27.

Definition: ἀνά prep. (the rarest in NT; M, Pr., 98; MM, VGT, see word), prop., upwards, up, always with accusative __1. In phrases: ἀ. μέσον, among, between, with genitive, Mat.13:1-58 25:1-46, Mrk.7:31, 1Co.6:5 (M, Pr., 99), Rev.7:17 [so in LXX for בְּתוׄך׃]; ἀ. μέρος, in turn, 1Co.14:27 (both found in Polyb.; cf. MGr. ἀνάμεσα). __2. Distrib., apiece, by: Mat.20:9-10, Luk.9:3 (WH om.), Luk.9:14 Luk.10:1, Jhn.2:6, Rev.4:8. __3. Adverbially ("a vulgarism," B1., § 51, 5; cf. Deiss., BS, 139 f.), ἀ. εἷς ἕκαστος, Rev.21:21. As prefix, ἀ. signifies __(a) up: ἀναβαίνειν; __(b) to: ἀναγγέλλειν; __(with) anew: ἀναγεννᾶν; __(d) back: ἀνακάμπτειν.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: and, apiece, by, each, every (man), in, through See also: 1 Corinthians 6:5; Mark 7:31; Revelation 4:8.

μετρητας metrētēs G3355 "measure" Noun-APM

A measure refers to a standard unit of capacity, like a container for liquids. In John 2:6, it describes the containers used for purification.

Definition: μετρητής, -οῦ, ὁ (μετρέω), [in LXX: 3Ki.18:32 (סְאָה), 2Ch.4:5, (בַּת), etc. ;] __1. a measurer (Plat.). __2. = ἀμφορεύς, an Attic measure, = 11⁄2 Roman amphoræ or about 9 Eng. gallons: Jhn.2:6.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: firkin See also: John 2:6.

δυο duo G1417 "two" Adj-NUI

Means two in number, used in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:8 to describe a married couple, and in Luke 10:1 to describe sending disciples out two by two.

Definition: δύο, numeral, indecl. exc. in dative, δυσί, δυσίν (Attic δυοῖν), two: Mat.19:6, Mrk.10:8, Jhn.2:6, al.; with pl. noun, Mat.9:27 10:10, al.; οἱ, τῶν, τοὺς δ., Mat.19:5 20:24, Mrk.10:8, Eph.2:15, al.; δ. ἐξ, Luk.24:13; distrib., ἀνὰ, κατὰ δ., two and two, two apiece: Luk.10:1 (WH, ἀνὰ δ. [δύο]), Jhn.2:6, 1Co.14:27; δύο δύο (= ἀνὰ δ., as LXX, Gen.6:19 for שְׁנַיִם שְׁנַיִם, but not merely "Hebraism," cf. μυρία μυρία, Æsch., Pers., 981, and for usage in π. and MGr., see M, Pr., 21, 97), Mrk.6:7; εἰς δ. (two and two, Xen., Cyr., 7, 5, 17), into two parts, Mat.27:51, Mrk.15:38. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 121 NT verses. KJV: both, twain, two See also: 1 Corinthians 6:16; Mark 6:7; Hebrews 6:18.

η ē G2228 "or" Particle

Or is a word used to show a choice between two things, like in Matthew 5:17 where it's either obey God's law or not. It's also used to compare things, like in Romans 1:21 where it's one thing or another.

Definition: ἤ, disjunctive and comparative particle (Bl., §36, 12; 77, 11); __1. disjunctive, or; __(a) between single words: Mat.5:17 Mrk.6:56, Luk.2:24, Jhn.6:19, Rom.1:21, al.; __(b) before a sentence expressing a variation, denial or refutation of a previous statement, frequently in interrog. form: Mat.7:4, 9 Mrk.12:14, Luk.13:4, Rom.3:29 6:3 9:21, 1Co.6:9, 16 9:6, 2Co.11:7; ἤ . . . ἤ, either . . . or, Mat.6:24, Luk.16:13, 1Co.14:6; __(with) in a disjunctive question (as Lat. an after utrum): Mat.9:5, Mrk.2:9, Luk.7:19, al.; after πότερον, Jhn.7:17; μή, 1Co.9:8; μήτι, 2Co.1:17; ἤ . . . ἤ . . . ἤ, Mrk.13:35. __2. Comparative, than: after comparatives, Mat.10:15, Luk.9:13, Jhn.3:19, Rom.13:11, al.; after ἕτερον, Act.17:21; θέλω (Khüner 3, iv, 303), 1Co.14:19; πρὶν ἤ, before, before accusative and inf., Mat.1:18 Mrk.14:30; after a positive adj. (Gen.49:12; cf. Robertson, Gr., 661), Mat.18:8, 9 Mrk.9:43, 45 47. __3. with other particles: ἀλλ᾽ ἤ, see: ἀλλά; ἤ γάρ, see: γάρ; ἢ καί, or even, or also, Mat.7:10, Luk.11:11, 12 Rom.2:15 4:9, al; ἤτοι . . . ἤ, Rom.6:16 (cf. Wis.11:19). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 281 NT verses. KJV: and, but (either), (n-)either, except it be, (n-)or (else), rather, save, than, that, what, yea See also: 1 Corinthians 1:13; Colossians 3:17; 1 Peter 1:11.

τρεις treis G5140 "Three" Adj-APM

The Greek word for three, used in passages like Matthew 12:40 and Mark 10:34 to describe a specific number of days or items. It is also used in the name of a place called Three Taverns in Acts 28:15.

Definition: τρεῖς, οἱ, αἱ, τρία, τά three: Mat.12:40, al.; μετὰ τ. ἡμέρας = τῇ τρίτῃ ἡ., Mrk.10:34, al. (cf. Field, Notes, 11 ff.) Τρεῖς Ταβέρναι (see: ταβέρνη), Three Taverns (Lit. Tres Tabernae) a halting place on the Appian Way: Act.28:15 (see DB, iv, 690).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 59 NT verses. KJV: three See also: 1 Corinthians 10:8; Luke 2:46; Hebrews 10:28.

Study Notes — John 2:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
John 2:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on John 2:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 2:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 2:6
Trapp's Commentary on John 2:6
Ellicott's Commentary on John 2:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 2:6
Cambridge Bible on John 2:6
Barnes' Notes on John 2:6
Whedon's Commentary on John 2:6
Sermons on John 2:6

Context — The Wedding at Cana

4“Woman, what is that to you and to Me?” Jesus replied. “My hour has not yet come.” 5His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”

6Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.

7Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8“Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	John 3:25	Then a dispute arose between John’s disciples and a certain Jew over the issue of ceremonial washing.
2	Hebrews 9:10	They consist only in food and drink and special washings—external regulations imposed until the time of reform.
3	Ephesians 5:26	to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word,
4	Mark 7:2–5	and they saw some of His disciples eating with hands that were defiled—that is, unwashed. 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. So the Pharisees and scribes questioned Jesus: “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders? Instead, they eat with defiled hands.”
5	Hebrews 10:22	let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
6	Hebrews 9:19	For when Moses had proclaimed every commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll and all the people,
7	Hebrews 6:2	instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

John 2:6 Summary

[John 2:6 tells us about six stone water jars that were used for the Jewish rites of purification, which were an important part of their religious tradition, similar to the practices described in Exodus 30:17-21 and Leviticus 15:13. These jars were big, holding twenty to thirty gallons of water, and they were used to help people become clean before worshiping God. This verse helps us understand the context of the miracle that Jesus is about to perform, where He turns water into wine, showing His power and care for people (as seen in John 2:7-8 and Matthew 9:35). By looking at this verse, we can see how Jesus used everyday objects and situations to reveal His glory and teach us about His love and power, just like He did in other miracles, such as the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the stone water jars used for in John 2:6?

The stone water jars were used for the Jewish rites of purification, as mentioned in John 2:6, which highlights the importance of cleanliness in Jewish tradition, similar to the practices described in Leviticus 11:32-38 and Numbers 19:1-10.

Why were there six stone water jars?

The number of jars is not explicitly stated as significant in John 2:6, but it may be related to the number of jars needed for the purification rites, and it also sets the stage for the miracle that Jesus is about to perform, as seen in John 2:7-8.

How much water could each jar hold?

According to John 2:6, each jar could hold from twenty to thirty gallons, which is a significant amount of water and highlights the abundance that Jesus will provide in the upcoming miracle, reminiscent of the abundance promised in Isaiah 55:1 and Revelation 21:6.

What can we learn from the presence of these stone water jars?

The presence of the stone water jars in John 2:6 teaches us about the cultural and religious context of Jesus' time, and it also prepares us for the supernatural event that is about to unfold, demonstrating Jesus' power and authority, as seen in other miracles like the feeding of the 5,000 in Matthew 14:13-21 and Mark 6:30-44.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need purification and cleansing, and how can I apply the principles of John 2:6 to those areas?
How can I, like the servants in John 2:5-8, obey Jesus' commands and trust in His power to work miracles in my life?
What are some 'jars' in my life that seem empty or insufficient, and how can I trust Jesus to fill them and use them for His glory?
In what ways can I, like Jesus, bring joy and abundance to those around me, as seen in the miracle of the wine in John 2:1-11?

Gill's Exposition on John 2:6

And there were set six water pots of stone,.... To distinguish them from other vessels made of different matter: for the Jews had "vessels made of dust, and the dung of beasts, כלי אבנים, "vessels of

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on John 2:6

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on John 2:6

The Jews were wont in their dining rooms to have waterpots standing; whether one for every guest (upon which account some think here were six) doth not appear. For the contents of these vessels, it is uncertain; the reason is, because the Jewish measures, both for things dry and liquid, are much unknown to us, most countries varying in their measures. According to our measures, these vessels should contain three hogsheads, or near it; but it is not probable that so great vessels of stone should stand in a room: the end of their standing there was for the people to wash in, before they did eat, , and to wash their vessels in, . We are certain of the number of the vessels, but not of the contents of them. Some say, they held so much water as, being turned into wine, was enough for one hundred and fifty persons; but we can make no certain judgment of it.

Trapp's Commentary on John 2:6

6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Ver. 6. After the manner of the purifying, &c.] But who required these things at their hands? Men are apt to over do in externals. The devil strove to bring this superstition into the Christian Church by the heretic Ebion, and hath done it by the pseudo-Catholics, with their lustral water and sprinkling of sepulchres, for the rise whereof Baronius refers us, not to the Jews, but to Juvenal’ s sixth satire. Containing two or three firkius] For ostentation’ sake. Superstition is pompous and ambitious.

Ellicott's Commentary on John 2:6

(6) Waterpots, or pitchers, like to but larger than the vessels used for carrying water, as in John 4:28. These were placed in the outer court, away from the guest-chamber, for the governor of the feast is ignorant of the circumstances (John 2:9). 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 2 Chronicles 4:5. 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.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on John 2:6

Verse 6. After the manner of the purifying of the Jews] Or, for the purpose of the purifying of the Jews. The preposition κατα, which I have translated, for the purpose, often denotes in the best Greek writers the final cause of a thing. See several examples produced by Raphelius, from Arrian and Herodotus. These six vessels were set in a convenient place, for the purpose of the Jews washing their hands before they sat down to meat, and probably for other purposes of purification. See this custom referred to in Matthew 15:2. As to the number six, we need seek for no mystery in it; the number of pots was proportioned to the number of the guests. Containing two or three firkins apiece.] Measures or metretes, μετρητας. Bishop Cumberland supposes that the Syrian metretes is here meant, which he computes to have held seven pints and one eighth of a pint; and, if this computation be right, the whole six water pots might have contained about fourteen gallons and a quart. Others make each metretes to contain ten gallons and two pints: see Arbuthnot. But the contents of the measures of the ancients are so very uncertain that it is best, in this and numberless other cases, to attempt to determine nothing.

Cambridge Bible on John 2:6

6. six waterpots of stone] As an eyewitness S. John remembers their number, material, and size. The surroundings of the first miracle would not easily be forgotten. It is idle to seek for any special meaning in the number six. Vessels of stone were preferred as being less liable to impurity.purifying] Comp. Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3 (see note); Luke 11:39.two or three firkins] ‘Firkin’ is an almost exact equivalent of the Greek metrçtes, which was about nine gallons. The six pitchers, therefore, holding from 18 to 27 gallons each, would together hold 106 to 162 gallons.

Barnes' Notes on John 2:6

Six water-pots of stone - Made of stone; or, as we should say, stoneware. After the manner - After the usual custom. Of the purifying - Of the “washings” or ablutions of the Jews.

Whedon's Commentary on John 2:6

6. Six waterpots of stone—Used for the washings and purifications described in Mark 7:3, etc. The firkin is equal probably to the Jewish bath, which contained 8 gallons, 7.4 pints.

Sermons on John 2:6

	Sermon	Description
	Milton Green - 10 by Milton Green	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of following traditions instead of being led by the Spirit of God. He warns that relying on traditions can lead to a false assura
	Day 199, John 2 by David Servant	David Servant preaches on the Gospel of John, emphasizing its focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus. The Gospel highlights Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the
	He Is Above All by A.W. Tozer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Jesus Christ is above science and all human knowledge. He states that humanity is trapped in a fallen state and unable to escape the va
	John the Baptist Willing to Be Excelled - Part 1 by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the life and ministry of John the Baptist as a preparation for the coming of Jesus. The preacher highlights the foretelling of Jesus' coming
	1 Peter 3:21 by John Gill	John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 3:21, illustrating how baptism serves as a significant symbol of salvation, akin to Noah's ark. He emphasizes that baptism is not merely a physical ac
	"As Thy Days, So Shall Thy Strength Be" by C.H. Spurgeon	Greek Word Studies preaches on the concept of 'Reformation,' emphasizing the idea of making things straight, correcting, and setting things right. In the context of the New Testame
	夫妻之道 - Husbands and Wives by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the judgment of God on the nation of Israel and how it manifests itself. He explains that God will remove the supply of bread and water from