John 2:7
What does John 2:7 mean?
A plain-English look at John 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 2:7 means
Jesus' instruction to the servants to "Fill the waterpots with water" is a simple command that requires obedience and effort. Their immediate and complete filling of the pots to the brim demonstrates their trust in Him, even without knowing His ultimate purpose. This act of obedience is a key component in the unfolding miracle, highlighting that divine power often works through human cooperation and the ordinary, available resources. The thoroughness of their filling ensures there can be no doubt about the contents before the transformation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Jesus said to the servants, Make the pots full of water. And they made them full to the top.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Jesus saith to them, `Fill the water-jugs with water;' and they filled them--unto the brim;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Jesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Jesus says to them, Fill the water-vessels with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Context
This verse describes Jesus' first direct command related to the miracle and the servants' immediate response. This action is pivotal, as it moves the narrative from preparation to the immediate precursor of the divine act. The complete filling of the pots is important for demonstrating the genuine nature of the transformation that follows, setting up the moment for the next instruction and the revelation of His power.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 21:6
And Jehovah sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died.
- 2 Kings 5:10
And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.
- 2 Kings 4:2
And Elisha said unto her, What shall I do for thee? tell me; what hast thou in the house? And she said, Thy handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.
- John 2:5
His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.
- Joshua 6:3
And ye shall compass the city, all the men of war, going about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
- Mark 11:2
and saith unto them, Go your way into the village that is over against you: and straightway as ye enter into it, ye shall find a colt tied, whereon no man ever yet sat; loose him, and bring him.
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