Devine Scripture

John 2:6

What does John 2:6 mean?

A plain-English look at John 2:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What John 2:6 means

The presence of six large stone waterpots, used for Jewish rituals of purification, is significant. These pots held a substantial amount of water, underscoring the magnitude of the miracle about to take place. The mention of their purpose for "the Jews' manner of purifying" highlights the contrast between the old covenant's rituals and the new, abundant life that Jesus brings. These vessels, ordinarily for cleansing, are now to be filled with water that will become wine, symbolizing the transformation Jesus imparts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

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

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Now there were standing there six stone water-vessels, according to the purification of the Jews, holding two or three measures each.

Context

This verse provides crucial details about the setting and the specific objects Jesus will use for His miracle. Describing the waterpots and their traditional use establishes a cultural and religious backdrop. This information is vital for appreciating the context of the miracle, as these purification vessels will be repurposed by Jesus, setting up a subtle theological contrast that is developed through the narrative of the new wine.

v.5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

v.6This passage

v.7Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Hebrews 9:19

    For when every commandment had been spoken by Moses unto all the people according to the law, he took the blood of the calves and the goats, with water and scarlet wool and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people,

  • Hebrews 6:2

    of the teaching of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.

  • Hebrews 10:22

    let us draw near with a true heart in fulness of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience: and having our body washed with pure water,

  • John 3:25

    There arose therefore a questioning on the part of John’s disciples with a Jew about purifying.

  • Hebrews 9:10

    being only (with meats and drinks and divers washings) carnal ordinances, imposed until a time of reformation.

  • Mark 7:2

    and had seen that some of his disciples ate their bread with defiled, that is, unwashen, hands.

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