The term "firkin" is a unit of measurement used in the context of liquid capacity, particularly in ancient times. In the Bible, the firkin is mentioned in the context of the miracle at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John.

Biblical Reference:

The only direct reference to the firkin in the Bible is found in John 2:6, which describes the water jars used in the miracle at Cana. 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 to approximate the capacity of these stone jars. A firkin is generally understood to be about nine gallons. Therefore, each of these jars could hold approximately two to three firkins.

Historical and Cultural Context:

In ancient Jewish culture, purification rituals were an essential part of religious observance. The stone water jars mentioned in John 2:6 were used for these purification rites, which required large quantities of water. The use of stone jars, as opposed to clay, was significant because stone was considered less likely to become ritually impure.

The miracle at Cana, where Jesus transformed water into wine, is significant not only for its demonstration of Jesus' divine power but also for its symbolic meaning. The abundance of wine produced—equivalent to approximately 120 to 180 gallons—signifies the overflowing grace and blessings brought by Jesus' ministry.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the use of the firkin as a unit of measurement in this miracle underscores the abundance and generosity of God's provision. The transformation of water into wine at a wedding feast also prefigures the new covenant that Jesus would establish, where the old purification rituals would be fulfilled and surpassed by the new wine of the kingdom of God.

The firkin, as a measure of capacity, serves as a reminder of the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative, while also pointing to the deeper spiritual truths revealed through Jesus' actions.John 2:6
And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Nave's Topical Index

3355. metretes -- a measurer, a measure
... to measure") -- a "liquid measure containing nearly nine gallons" (, 408); " 'a ...
a measurer, a measure NASB Word Usage gallons (1). firkin, a liquid measure. ...
//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.
... was not aware that the six waterpots held each two or three firkins apiece"between
eighteen and twenty-seven gallons, a firkin being nine gallons"or double ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xxii jesus works his first.htm

Firkin: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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