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JOHN 2:6 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
John 2:5John 2:7
“And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.”
Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons — the detailed specification of the jars' material (stone), number (six), and purpose (Jewish purification) is theologically loaded. Stone jars resist impurity better than clay; their ceremonial function connects to Jewish Law. The quantity (120-180 gallons) vastly exceeds wedding necessity, foreshadowing supernatural abundance.

Church Fathers on John 2:6

Although He had said, Mine hour is not yet come, He afterwards did what His mother told Him, in order to show plainly, that He was not under subjection to the hour. For if He was, how could He have done this miracle before the hour appointed for it? In the next place, He wished to show honor to His mother, and make it appear that He did not go counter to her eventually. He would not put her to shame in the presence of so many; especially as she had sent the servants to Him,…

Chrysostom · 4th century

As if she said, Though He appear to refuse, He will do it nevertheless. She knew His pity and mercifulness. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Hydriae are vessels to hold water: hydor being the Greek for water.

Bede · 8th century

Vessels to hold water were there, after the manner of the purifying of Jews. Among other traditions of the Pharisees, they observed frequent washings

Alcuin · 8th century
Read all 18 entries in the readerCatena Aurea · St. Thomas Aquinas, tr. J. H. Newman · public domain
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John 2:6 — Community Reflections | HolyStudy