John 2:6 (BSB)
Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons.
Commentary on John 2:6
- John Calvin (Reformed), Calvin's Commentaries on John 2:6: 6. And there were there six water-pots of stone. According to the computation of Budaeus, we infer that these water-pots were very large; for as the metreta The exact size of the firkin cannot be easily ascertained. If μετρητὴς be here used by the Evangelist as a purely Greek word, we must conclude it to be an Attic measure, which was nearly equal to nine English gallons.
- Matthew Henry (Presbyterian), Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary on John 2:1-11: We have here the story of Christ's miraculous conversion of water into wine at a marriage in Cana of Galilee. There were some few so well disposed as to believe in Christ, and to follow him, when he did no miracle; yet it was not likely that many should be wrought upon till he had something wherewith to answer those that asked, What sign showest thou?
- John Gill (Reformed Baptist), Exposition of the Old and New Testaments 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, , "vessels of stone", vessels of earth, vessels made of shells, vessels of nitre, vessels made of the bones and skins of fishes (t).'' And as these vessels were very likely for washing...
- Albert Barnes (Presbyterian), Barnes' New Testament Notes on John 2:6: Verse 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. They were for the purpose of washing the hands before and after eating (), and for the formal washing of vessels, and even articles of furniture, . Two or three firkins.