Definition and Measurement:
The term "firkin" is an ancient unit of liquid measurement mentioned in the context of the New Testament. It is primarily referenced in the Gospel of John during the account of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding in Cana. A firkin is generally understood to be equivalent to approximately 9 gallons or 34 liters, though exact measurements could vary slightly based on regional standards of the time.

Biblical Reference:
The only direct mention of firkins in the Bible is found in John 2:6, which describes the vessels used in the miracle of turning water into wine. 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."

In this context, the term "firkin" is used in some translations to describe the capacity of these stone jars. The jars were substantial in size, indicating the abundance of wine that Jesus miraculously provided.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In Jewish tradition, water jars were used for ceremonial purification, a practice rooted in the Mosaic Law. The presence of these jars at the wedding in Cana underscores the importance of ritual cleanliness in Jewish culture. The transformation of water into wine in these jars is significant, as it symbolizes the new covenant and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry.

Theological Significance:
The miracle at Cana, where firkins are mentioned, holds deep theological implications. It is the first of Jesus' public miracles, marking the beginning of His earthly ministry. The abundance of wine produced from the water in the firkins is often interpreted as a sign of the overflowing grace and blessings brought by Christ. This event also prefigures the Last Supper and the institution of the Eucharist, where wine becomes a symbol of Jesus' blood, shed for the salvation of humanity.

Historical Usage:
The use of firkins as a unit of measurement reflects the practical aspects of daily life in ancient times. It provides insight into the domestic and social customs of the period, particularly in relation to hospitality and religious observance. The mention of firkins in the Gospel narrative serves to ground the miraculous event in a tangible reality, enhancing the historical credibility of the account.

Conclusion:
While the term "firkin" itself is not frequently encountered in modern translations, its presence in the Gospel of John offers a glimpse into the cultural and religious practices of the time. The miracle at Cana, involving these large stone jars, remains a powerful testament to Jesus' divine authority and the transformative nature of His mission.

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
... regarded themselves as ceremonially unclean if they did not wash their hands before
eating"Matthew 15:2; Mark 7:3, 4], containing two or three firkins apiece ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

Translated from the Greek.
... And perhaps on this account the water-vessels containing two or three firkins
a-piece are said to lie for the purification of the Jews, as we read in the ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/translated from the greek.htm

The First Sign --The Marriage in Cana.
... it. Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner
of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. ...
/.../v the first signthe marriage.htm

Jesus the Joy-Bringer
... unto you, do it.6. And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner
of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.7 ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture i/jesus the joy-bringer.htm

The First Miracle.
... it.". Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews' manner
of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/the first miracle.htm

That the Scriptures are Divinely Inspired.
... Gospels, where there are said to be placed, according to the manner of purification
among the Jews, six water-vessels, containing two or three firkins [2758] a ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter i that the scriptures are.htm

The First Miracle.
... The six water-pots, on this occasion, each held two or three firkins, meaning, it
is supposed, the Hebrew bath, a measure of seven and a half gallons. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/the first miracle.htm

John ii. 4
... [569]. Ver.6, 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. ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xxii john ii 4.htm

The Marriage of Cana
... is very remarkable; ver.6, "And there were set six water-pots of water, after the
manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins a-piece ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the marriage of cana.htm

The Marriage Feast in Cana of Galilee - the Miracle that is a Sign ...
... may be well to add, as against objectors, that it is impossible to state with certainty
the exact measure represented by the two or three firkins apiece.' For ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter iv the marriage feast.htm

Firkins (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Firkins (2 Occurrences). Luke 16:6 "'A hundred
firkins of oil,' he replied. "'Here is your account,' said ...
/f/firkins.htm - 6k

Change (109 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Luke 16:6 "'A hundred firkins of oil,' he replied. "'Here is your account,'
said the steward: 'sit down quickly and change it into fifty firkins.' (WEY). ...
/c/change.htm - 42k

Steward (23 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:6 "'A hundred firkins of oil,' he replied. "'Here is your account,' said
the steward: 'sit down quickly and change it into fifty firkins.' (WEY). ...
/s/steward.htm - 21k

Account (460 Occurrences)
... Luke 16:6 "'A hundred firkins of oil,' he replied. "'Here is your account,' said
the steward: 'sit down quickly and change it into fifty firkins.' (WEY BBE). ...
/a/account.htm - 35k

Waterpots (2 Occurrences)
... John 2:6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the
purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. ...
/w/waterpots.htm - 6k

Firkin

/f/firkin.htm - 7k

Placed (297 Occurrences)
... John 2:6 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. ...
/p/placed.htm - 34k

Purpose (448 Occurrences)
... John 2:6 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. (BBE). ...
/p/purpose.htm - 37k

Kind (290 Occurrences)
... John 2:6 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. ...
/k/kind.htm - 35k

Firm (111 Occurrences)

/f/firm.htm - 34k

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