A firkin is an ancient unit of liquid measurement mentioned in the context of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of John. The term "firkin" is derived from the Greek word "metretes," which is used to describe the capacity of the stone water jars at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine.

Biblical Reference:

The only direct reference to a firkin in the Bible is found in John 2:6. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as follows: "Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons."

Historical and Cultural Context:

In the context of the New Testament, a firkin is understood to be approximately equivalent to nine gallons or about 34 liters. The stone water jars mentioned in John 2:6, therefore, had a capacity of two to three firkins each. This detail highlights the abundance of wine that Jesus miraculously provided, underscoring the significance of the miracle in demonstrating His divine authority and the inauguration of His public ministry.

The use of stone jars for purification rites is rooted in Jewish customs, where water was used for ceremonial washing to maintain ritual cleanliness. The transformation of water into wine in these jars is symbolic, representing the new covenant and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry.

Theological Significance:

The miracle at Cana, involving the firkins of water turned into wine, holds deep theological significance. It is seen as a sign of the new creation and the joy and abundance of the Kingdom of God. The large quantity of wine produced signifies the superabundance of God's grace available through Christ. This event also prefigures the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist, where wine becomes a symbol of Christ's blood, shed for the salvation of humanity.

Conclusion:

While the term "firkin" itself is a minor detail, its inclusion in the Gospel narrative serves to emphasize the magnitude of Jesus' first miracle and the richness of the blessings He brings. The firkin, as a measure, helps convey the lavishness of God's provision and the transformative nature of Jesus' work on earth.Used only in John 2:6; the Attic amphora, equivalent to the Hebrew bath (q.v.), a measure for liquids containing about 8 7/8 gallons. 1. (n.) A varying measure of capacity, usually being the fourth part of a barrel; specifically, a measure equal to nine imperial gallons.

2. (n.) A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for butter, lard, etc.

FIRKIN

fur'-kin (metretes):

The liquid measure used in John 2:6 to indicate the capacity of the water-pots mentioned in the narrative of the miracle of turning the water into wine. It is regarded as equivalent to the Hebrew bath, and thus contained about nine gallons.

See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

3355. metretes -- a measurer, a measure
... firkin, a liquid measure. From metreo; a measurer, ie (specially), a certain standard
measure of capacity for liquids -- firkin. see GREEK metreo. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3355.htm - 6k

Second Great Group of Parables.
... 6 And he said, A hundred measures of oil. [The measure mentioned here is the Hebrew
bath, which corresponded roughly to a firkin, or nine gallons.] And he said ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 5.htm

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... minded old man was not aware that the six waterpots held each two or three firkins
apiece"between eighteen and twenty-seven gallons, a firkin being nine ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... state with certainty the exact measure represented by the two or three firkins apiece.'
For, although we know that the term metretes (AV firkin') was intended ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Firkin
... 2. (n.) A small wooden vessel or cask of indeterminate size, -- used for
butter, lard, etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FIRKIN. ...
/f/firkin.htm - 7k

Vessel (118 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A hollow or concave utensil for holding anything; a hollow receptacle of
any kind, as a hogshead, a barrel, a firkin, a bottle, a kettle, a cup, a bowl ...
/v/vessel.htm - 40k

Firing (3 Occurrences)

/f/firing.htm - 7k

Firkins (2 Occurrences)

/f/firkins.htm - 6k

Firkin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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