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FIRKIN ( ìåôñçôÞò , Joh_2:6 only).—An Attic liquid measure, which is generally regarded as the equivalent of the Hebrew bath (cf. LXX Septuagint 2Ch_4:5), and is therefore ‘able to contain seventy-two sextaries’ (Josephus Ant. viii. ii. 9), accurately 71, 28 pints, or approximately 9 English gallons. ‘Firkin’ (Authorized Version and Revised Version NT 1881, OT 1885 )—the fourth part of a barrel containing from 32 to 36 gallons—as a translation is sufficiently exact for ordinary purposes.
Previously emptied for the ablutions of the guests, the water-pots are filled afresh. Their character and contents prove the reality of the miracle. Very effective is the touch added by the expression ἕùò ἄíù , ‘up to the brim,’ if only in presenting a sure basis for calculating the quantity of this wedding gift. The lowest estimate of the quantity of wine must be over 12 firkins or 108 gallons; yet, had the vessels been larger they had been filled; had there been more vessels, more wine. To such lavishness there need not be imputed indiscretion. Our Lord did not give simply to meet a pressing need, or even for future use, but rather to exemplify the illimitable power of the Giver. ‘It is His first miraculous sign … it must become the type of the fulness of grace and joy and strength which the only-begotten Son brings to the earth’ (Godet on Joh_2:6).
Literature.—Art. ‘Weights and Measures’ in Hasting's Dictionary of the Bible , iv. 911–913; Encyc. Bibl. iv. col. 5294 f.
Alex. A. Duncan.