Firkin
ArtifactsWhat is the meaning of Firkin in the Bible?
The firkin was a standard liquid measure in first-century Judea, referenced in John 2:6 to describe the capacity of six stone water jars used for Jewish purification rites, with a volume estimated at roughly 75 to 90 pints.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the firkin's volume clarifies the sheer quantity of wine produced in the miracle, emphasizing the abundance and the specific cultural context of purification rituals described in the Gospel of John.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Physical & Symbolic Reality: Physical objects and natural elements like Firkin were everyday realities for biblical writers, frequently used as living metaphors for spiritual truths.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Firkin in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Firkin clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
John 2:6
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Firkin." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/firkin/