Lexical Summary metrétés: Measure, a vessel for measuring Original Word: μετρητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance firkin, a liquid measureFrom metreo; a measurer, i.e. (specially), a certain standard measure of capacity for liquids -- firkin. see GREEK metreo HELPS Word-studies 3355 metrētḗs (from 3354 /metréō, "to measure") – a "liquid measure containing nearly nine gallons" (WS, 408); " 'a measure' about 39.39 litres or 8¾ gallons" (Souter). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom metreó Definition a measurer, a measure NASB Translation gallons (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3355: μετρητήςμετρητής (on the accent see Chandler § 51f), μετρητου, ὁ (μετρέω), properly, a measurer, the name of a utensil known as an amphora, which is a species of measure used for liquids and containing 72 sextarii or ξεστοι (i. e. somewhat less than nine English gallons; see B. D. under the phrase, Weights and Measures, at the end (p. 3507 American edition)) (Hebrew בַּת, 2 Chronicles 4:5): John 2:6. (Polybius 2,15, 1; Demosthenes, p. 1045, 7; Aristotle, h. a. 8, 9.) Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope Metretēs denotes a well-known liquid measure in the first-century Mediterranean world. While the exact volume is debated, the unit represented a sizeable amount of water or wine in everyday commerce and in religious observance. The term occurs only once in the Greek New Testament, yet its single appearance supplies vivid detail that deepens our grasp of the sign performed by Jesus at Cana. Biblical Context: John 2:6 and the Wedding at Cana “Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish ceremonial washing, each holding twenty to thirty gallons” (John 2:6). The Evangelist highlights three key facts: 1. Stone jars—indicating ritual purity (Levitical law regarded stone as non-contaminating). By naming the measure, John anchors the miracle in concrete history and underlines the magnitude of the transformation from water to wine. Roughly speaking, the six jars combined provided well over one hundred gallons, turning a village wedding into a picture of extravagant grace. Historical Background: Measurements in Jewish and Greco-Roman Culture • Everyday commerce. Wine, oil, and water were traded in standard vessels so buyers could trust quantities. Metretēs functioned alongside other units such as the chous, bath, or amphora. Recognizing these cultural factors helps the reader see that John’s narrative is grounded in ordinary life even as it unveils extraordinary glory. Symbolism and Theological Implications 1. Fulfillment of Purification. The water once destined for external cleansing becomes wine that gladdens the heart (Psalm 104:15), foreshadowing the superior cleansing of conscience secured by Christ’s blood (Hebrews 9:13-14). Ministry Significance • Obedient Service. The servants “filled them to the brim” (John 2:7), refusing half-measures. Faithful completion of mundane tasks becomes the channel for Christ’s blessing. Related Biblical Themes and Cross-References • Vessels of Provision: 2 Kings 4:1-7 (Elisha and the oil) parallels Cana by combining obedience, filling, and miraculous supply. Witness of Church History Early commentators seized on the metretēs to defend both the historicity and the spiritual message of John 2. Practical Applications for Disciples Today 1. Hospitality. Cana encourages believers to practice openhanded welcome, confident that Christ multiplies what is offered. Conclusion Though Strong’s 3355 appears only once, its single cameo spotlights the magnitude of Messianic provision, interweaving historical reality with profound theological resonance. The measured jars at Cana invite every generation to trust the Lord who still turns human shortage into overflowing joy. Forms and Transliterations μετρητας μετρητάς μετρητὰς μετριάζων metretas metretàs metrētas metrētàsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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