Topical Encyclopedia In the cultural and religious context of ancient Israel, water held significant symbolic and practical importance, particularly in the rites of purification. The Gospel of John provides a notable account of water kept for purification in large waterpots, which is both a testament to Jewish customs and a profound illustration of Jesus' miraculous power.Biblical Account The primary reference to water kept for purification in large waterpots is found in the Gospel of John, during the wedding at Cana. 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 were used in accordance with Jewish purification laws, which required ritual washing to maintain ceremonial cleanliness. Cultural and Religious Significance In Jewish tradition, purification rituals were integral to religious life, as outlined in the Torah. Water was used to cleanse individuals and objects from ritual impurity, a practice rooted in passages such as Leviticus 11:32 and Numbers 19:17-19. The large stone waterpots at Cana were likely used for such purposes, ensuring that guests at the wedding could perform the necessary ablutions. The use of stone for these waterpots is significant. Unlike earthenware, stone vessels were not susceptible to ritual impurity, as per Jewish law. This made them ideal for storing water intended for purification, underscoring the importance of maintaining purity in daily and religious activities. The Miracle at Cana The transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana is the first recorded miracle of Jesus in the Gospel of John. This event is rich with theological symbolism. By using water meant for purification, Jesus not only demonstrated His divine authority but also foreshadowed the new covenant, where purification would come through His sacrifice rather than through ritualistic practices. John 2:9-11 describes the outcome: "When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine, not knowing where it had come from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom aside and said, 'Everyone serves the fine wine first, and then the cheap wine after the guests are drunk. But you have saved the fine wine until now.' Jesus performed this, the first of His signs, at Cana in Galilee. He thus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him." Theological Implications The miracle at Cana is a profound illustration of Jesus' mission to fulfill and transcend the old covenant. The waterpots, symbols of the old purification system, are transformed into vessels of new life and joy through the wine, symbolizing the blood of Christ. This act signifies the transition from the law to grace, from ritual purification to spiritual renewal through faith in Jesus Christ. In this context, the water kept for purification in large waterpots serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of Christ, who brings about a new creation and offers a deeper, spiritual cleansing that surpasses the physical rituals of the past. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 2:6And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. Torrey's Topical Textbook Resources What is the water of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be born of water? | GotQuestions.org Water: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Water in Times of Scarcity, Sold at an Enormous Price Water of Bitterness or of Jealousy Water of Separation or of Uncleanness Water of the Gifts and Graces of the Holy Spirit Water was Used by Jews for Culinary Purposes Water was Used by Jews for Legal Purification Water was Used by Jews for Washing the Person Water was Used by Jews: As Their Principal Beverage Water: (Covering the Sea) of the General Diffusion of The Water: (Deep) of Counsel in the Heart Water: (Deep) of Severe Affliction Water: (Deep) of the Words of the Wise Water: (Difficulty of Stopping) of Strife and Contention Water: (Its Instability) of a Wavering Disposition Water: (Its Weakness) of Faintness and Cowardice Water: (Many) of a Variety of Afflictions Water: (Many) of Different Nations and People Water: (Noise of Many) of the Word of Christ Water: (Poured Out) Faintness by Terror Water: (Poured Out) the Wrath of God Water: (Pouring, out of Buckets) a Numerous Progeny Water: (Rapidly Flowing Away) the Career of the Wicked Water: (Spilled on the Ground) Death Water: (Still) the Ordinances of the Gospel Water: Artificial Mode of Conveying, Into Large Cities Water: Collected in The Clouds Water: Covered the Whole Earth Water: Drops from the Clouds in Rain Water: Frequently Brackish and Unfit for Use Water: God Originally: Collected Into One Place Water: God Originally: Created Fowls and Fishes From Water: God Originally: Created the Firmament to Divide Water: Kept for Purification in Large Waterpots Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Jaw-Bone of an Ass Water: Miracles Connected With: Brought from the Rock Water: Miracles Connected With: Consumed by Fire from Heaven Water: Miracles Connected With: Divided and Made to Stand on Heap Water: Miracles Connected With: Healing Powers Communicated To Water: Miracles Connected With: Iron Made to Swim In Water: Miracles Connected With: Our Lord Walking On Water: Miracles Connected With: Trenches Filled With Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Blood Water: Miracles Connected With: Turned Into Wine Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Jehoshaphat's Army Water: Miraculously Supplied: To Samson Water: Miraculously Supplied: To the Israelites Water: Necessary to the Comfort and Happiness of Man Water: Necessary to Vegetation Water: One of the Elements of the World Water: Rises in Vapour to the Clouds Water: some Plants Particularly Require Water: The Want of, Considered a Great Calamity Water: The World and Its Inhabitants Once Destroyed By Water: The World not to be Again Destroyed By Water: Wearing the Hardest Substances Related Terms Water-springs (12 Occurrences) |