Lexical Summary keramion: Jar, Pitcher Original Word: κεράμιον Strong's Exhaustive Concordance an earthen vessel, jarNeuter of a presumed derivative of keramos; an earthenware vessel, i.e. Jar -- pitcher. see GREEK keramos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom keramos Definition an earthen vessel NASB Translation pitcher (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2765: κεράμιονκεράμιον, κεραμίου, τό (neuter of the add. κεραμιος, see the preceding word (others make it a diminutive from κέραμος)), an earthen vessel, a pot, jar; a jug or pitcher: with ὕδατος added, a water-pitcher, Mark 14:13; Luke 22:10. (Theophrastus, caus. plant. 3, 4, 3; οἴνου, Jeremiah 42:5 Topical Lexicon Meaning and Physical Description The term denotes a clay or earthenware vessel used for carrying liquids, typically water. Such jars were common household items across the Ancient Near East, fashioned on a potter’s wheel, sun-dried or kiln-fired, and prized for their durability and affordability. Occurrences in the New Testament The noun appears twice, both in connection with preparations for the final Passover: • Mark 14:13 – “So He sent two of His disciples and told them, ‘Go into the city, and a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him.’” The vessel is not the primary focus of either passage, yet its presence is pivotal in identifying the host house where the Passover meal—later called the Last Supper—would be held. Cultural and Historical Background 1. Domestic Role: Water was fetched daily from communal wells or springs. Earthenware jars, unlike metal or stone vessels, kept water cool by slow evaporation through the porous clay. Theological and Symbolic Significance • Divine Foreknowledge: Jesus’ precise instruction demonstrates His sovereignty over details surrounding His approaching passion. Related Old Testament Imagery Earthen vessels appear in moments of covenant and deliverance: Connection to Christ’s Passion Narrative The water-jar carrier bridges ordinary life and salvific history. His obedience leads the disciples to the venue where Jesus institutes the Lord’s Supper, washing feet with water likely drawn from that very jar, and teaching servanthood and sacrificial love (John 13:1-17). Lessons for Ministry 1. Faithfulness in the Mundane: God uses commonplace tasks to advance His kingdom. Applications for Contemporary Discipleship Believers today are likewise “carriers” of living water (John 7:38), called to lead others to fellowship with Christ. The episodes remind congregations that spiritual breakthroughs often hinge on unobtrusive obedience—carrying a jar, opening a room, offering simple service that aligns with God’s larger plan. Forms and Transliterations κεραμιον κεράμιον κεραμίου keramion kerámionLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Mark 14:13 N-ANSGRK: ὑμῖν ἄνθρωπος κεράμιον ὕδατος βαστάζων NAS: you carrying a pitcher of water; KJV: bearing a pitcher of water: INT: you a man a pitcher of water carrying Luke 22:10 N-ANS |
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