μετρητής (metrētēs)
metrētēs
measure
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun metrētēs refers to a specific unit of liquid capacity, roughly equivalent to nine English gallons or forty liters. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 2:6, where it describes the large stone jars used for Jewish purification rites at the wedding in Cana.
Its root verb means "to measure," and the word itself likely denotes either a measuring device or the volume it holds. Ancient sources identify it as an Attic amphora, a standard container for wine or water. By using this precise term rather than a generic word for "vessel," the Gospel writer emphasizes the sheer scale of the miracle: Jesus turns enough liquid to fill six massive jars, each holding nearly ten gallons.
This single occurrence highlights the tangible nature of Jesus’ sign. The specific volume underscores that the water was not merely symbolic but abundant and physical, meeting a real social need with overwhelming generosity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word metrētēs points to a large container, holding about forty liters of liquid. In John’s Gospel, it describes the stone jars at the wedding in Cana. Jesus used these ordinary vessels to perform a remarkable sign, turning water into wine for a celebration that was running low.
This detail reminds us that God cares about the practical needs of daily life. He did not ignore the social embarrassment of the hosts but provided an abundance that exceeded expectations. The miracle was physical and tangible, showing that His grace is not just spiritual but also deeply involved in our real-world situations.
When you face moments where resources seem insufficient, remember this scene. God’s provision often comes through ordinary means, yet it can transform a situation completely. His generosity is not measured by human limits but by His loving desire to bless those around Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- metretae1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- μετρητὰς1×
Key Verses
-
John 2:6
Now there were six water pots of stone set there after the Jews’ way of purifying, containing two or three metretes apiece.
This verse identifies the specific capacity of the stone jars, highlighting the sheer volume of wine Jesus produced to meet the wedding's needs.