Topical Bible: Measure: A Firkin, Nearly Nine Gallons

◄ Measure: A Firkin, Nearly Nine Gallons ►

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In biblical times, various units of measurement were employed to quantify liquids, grains, and other commodities. Among these, the "firkin" is a term that appears in the context of liquid measurement. The firkin is understood to be a unit of capacity, approximately equivalent to nine gallons. This measurement is particularly noted in the New Testament, providing insight into the daily life and practices of the period.

The term "firkin" is derived from the Greek word "metretes," which is used in the Gospel of John. In John 2:6 , during the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, it is written: "Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons." The original Greek text uses "metretes" to describe the capacity of these jars, which is often translated as "firkin" in older English versions. This suggests that each jar could hold two to three firkins, or approximately 18 to 27 gallons.

The use of the firkin as a measure highlights the practical aspects of daily life in ancient Judea, where precise measurements were necessary for trade, religious rituals, and domestic activities. The Jewish rites of purification, for instance, required specific quantities of water, underscoring the importance of accurate measurement.

Understanding the firkin also provides a deeper appreciation of the miracle at Cana. The transformation of such a substantial quantity of water into wine not only demonstrates Jesus' divine power but also reflects the abundance and generosity of God's provision. The large volume of wine produced would have been more than sufficient for the wedding guests, symbolizing the overflowing grace available through Christ.

In the broader biblical context, measurements like the firkin serve as a reminder of the meticulous nature of God's instructions to His people, whether in the construction of the Tabernacle, the offerings in the Temple, or the daily observances of Jewish life. These measurements ensured that the people of Israel adhered to the standards set forth by God, fostering a sense of order and reverence in their worship and community interactions.

The firkin, as a unit of measure, thus holds both practical and theological significance within the biblical narrative, illustrating the intersection of daily life and divine instruction in the ancient world.

Nave's Topical Index

John 2:6
And there were set there six water pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.
Nave's Topical Index

Greek

3355. metretes -- a measurer, a measure
... 3355 (from 3354 , "to measure") -- a "liquid measure containing nearly nine gallons" (,
408); " 'a measure' about 39.39 ... firkin, a liquid measure. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3355.htm - 6k