A waterpot in biblical times was a common household item used for storing and carrying water. These vessels were typically made of clay or stone and varied in size and shape, depending on their intended use. Waterpots are mentioned in several passages throughout the Bible, serving both practical and symbolic purposes.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, waterpots are often associated with daily life and domestic activities. For instance, in Genesis 24:14, Rebekah is described as carrying a waterpot when she meets Abraham's servant at the well: "Now may it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac." This passage highlights the waterpot's role in hospitality and service.

New Testament References

The New Testament provides a notable account of waterpots in the Gospel of John. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus performs His first miracle by turning water into wine. John 2:6-7 states, "Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus told the servants, 'Fill the jars with water.' So they filled them to the brim." These stone waterpots, used for ceremonial purification, become instruments of divine intervention, symbolizing transformation and abundance.

Symbolic Significance

Waterpots in the Bible often carry symbolic meanings. In the account of the Samaritan woman at the well, found in John 4, the waterpot represents the woman's earthly concerns and her encounter with Jesus, the source of "living water." After her conversation with Jesus, she leaves her waterpot behind, signifying a shift from physical to spiritual fulfillment: "Then the woman left her water jar, went back into the town, and said to the people, 'Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Christ?'" (John 4:28-29).

Cultural and Religious Context

In the cultural and religious context of the Bible, waterpots were essential for daily life, used for drawing water from wells, storing it for household use, and performing ritual cleansings. The materials and craftsmanship of these vessels reflected the resources and skills available in ancient times. Stone waterpots, like those at Cana, were particularly valued for their durability and purity, making them suitable for religious purposes.

Archaeological Insights

Archaeological discoveries have unearthed various types of waterpots from biblical times, providing insight into their construction and use. These findings corroborate the biblical descriptions and enhance our understanding of the daily life and religious practices of ancient peoples.

In summary, waterpots in the Bible serve as practical tools and powerful symbols, illustrating themes of service, transformation, and spiritual renewal. Their presence in key biblical narratives underscores their significance in the cultural and religious life of the times.(n.) A vessel for holding or conveying water, or for sprinkling water on cloth, plants, etc.WATERPOT

wo'-ter-pot (hudria; compare hudor, "water"): An earthen vessel, or jar, for carrying or holding water (in the Septuagint for kadh, "jar," or "pitcher"). It was usually carried by women upon the head, or upon the shoulder (John 4:28). Pots of larger size, holding eighteen or twenty gallons apiece, were used by the Jews for purposes of ceremonial purification (John 2:6).

5201. hudria -- a water pot, a pot or jar
... pitcher. Word Origin from hudor Definition a water pot, a pot or jar NASB
Word Usage waterpot (1), waterpots (2). water-pot. From ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5201.htm - 6k

At Jacob's Well
... Leaving her waterpot, she returned to the city, to carry the message to others. ... Leaving
her waterpot spoke unmistakably as to the effect of His words. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 19 at jacobs well.htm

The Waterpots at Cana
... brim. You know there is a way of filling a waterpot, and there is another way
of filling it. ... Mind you fill that waterpot with water. "But ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/the waterpots at cana.htm

Jehovah. The "I Am. "
... reads as follows: "I AM that speaks to thee." After this mighty word had come from
His lips the woman had nothing more to say, but left her waterpot and went ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/jehovah the i am.htm

Jesus at the Well. A Word to Preachers.
... IV."Set your converts to work. We read "The woman then left her waterpot, and went
into the city," and soon there was a crowd round the Saviour. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/xxxii jesus at the well.htm

The New Passover
... Whether the token of the man with the waterpot was a preconcerted signal or an instance
of our Lord's supernatural knowledge and sovereign sway, his employment ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the new passover.htm

Preaching to the Samaritans.
... So the woman left her waterpot, and went away into the city, and saith to the people,
"Come, see a man, who told me all things that ever I:did: can this be the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his life/preaching to the samaritans.htm

Letter xxvii. To Marcella.
... 3. But "when I set the wheel rolling I began to form a wine flagon; how comes it
that a waterpot is the result?" [716] Lest Horace laugh at me I come back to ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter xxvii to marcella.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by John.
... No wonder that her heart was immediately and completely captivated by so grand and
glorious a revelation, and that, at once, she left her waterpot and went her ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter ix entire sanctification as.htm

And Jesus Went Out Again from the Borders of Tyre and Sidon...
... or, [32] What [1513] speakest thou with her? [1514] And the woman left her waterpot,
and went to the [33] city, and said to the people, [1515] Come, and see a ...
/.../hogg/the diatessaron of tatian/section xxi and jesus went.htm

The Waterer Watered
... If I cannot carry about me some ponderous load as the Eastern water-bearer can,
yet I will take my little waterpot, my little jug or pitcher, and go to the well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the waterer watered.htm

Waterpot (1 Occurrence)
... plants, etc. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. WATERPOT. wo'-ter-pot ... 2:6).
Multi-Version Concordance Waterpot (1 Occurrence). John 4:28 ...
/w/waterpot.htm - 7k

Water-plants (7 Occurrences)
Water-plants. Water-pipe, Water-plants. Waterpot . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Water-pipe, Water-plants. Waterpot . Reference Bible.
/w/water-plants.htm - 8k

Water-pot (1 Occurrence)
Water-pot. Waterpot, Water-pot. Waterpots . Multi-Version Concordance
Water-pot (1 Occurrence). ... Waterpot, Water-pot. Waterpots . Reference Bible.
/w/water-pot.htm - 6k

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