GospelMount
Search Topics Scripture Prayer Resources Ebooks About Support the mission Saved articles

ὑδρία (hudria)

hudria

jar

G5201 · Greek · New Testament · 3 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun hudria refers to a large vessel for holding water, often translated simply as "jar" or "pitcher." In the New Testament, it appears only three times, all within the Gospel of John. These occurrences anchor the word in specific narrative moments: at the wedding in Cana, where six stone jars were set aside for Jewish purification rites (John 2:6), and when a Samaritan woman leaves her water jar at the well after speaking with Jesus (John 4:28).

While its root relates to water, the term was used more broadly in ancient Greek to describe various containers, including those for wine or coins. However, the biblical usage keeps the focus firmly on its primary function as a water vessel. This concrete imagery highlights the physical needs of daily life, contrasting the ordinary task of drawing water with the spiritual renewal Jesus offers.

Translators consistently render hudria as "jar" or "vessel," preserving the sense of a heavy, utilitarian object rather than a delicate cup. The word underscores the tangible reality of Jesus’ ministry, where he interacts with everyday items and routines to reveal deeper truths about living water and ritual purification.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word hudria describes a sturdy jar used for carrying water, an essential item in daily life during biblical times. In John’s Gospel, this ordinary object becomes a bridge between physical need and spiritual truth. At the wedding in Cana, Jesus uses large stone jars meant for ritual washing to demonstrate His power over nature, turning water into wine (John 2:6-7). This act shows that God cares about our celebrations and can bring abundance where there was only routine.

Later, at Jacob’s well, a Samaritan woman leaves her jar behind after meeting Jesus (John 4:28). Her decision to abandon the tool she relied on for physical water signals a shift in her life. She realizes that Jesus offers something far deeper than what any container can hold. This moment invites us to consider what we might leave behind when we encounter His living water.

These stories remind us that Jesus meets us in our everyday routines. He does not ignore the practical needs of life but uses them to reveal His glory and grace. Whether you are facing a celebration or a moment of personal change, your ordinary circumstances can become the setting for His extraordinary work.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • water pot1×
  • water jars1×
  • jars1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • ὑδρίας1×
  • ὑδρίαν1×
  • ὑδρίαι1×

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 establishes the physical setting of Cana, where six large stone jars were used for Jewish purification rites, highlighting the cultural context Jesus enters.

  • John 2:7
    Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

    Jesus’ command to fill these specific jars with water initiates the first miracle, showing His authority over creation and ritual objects.

  • John 4:28
    So the woman left her water pot, went away into the city, and said to the people,

    The woman’s act of leaving her jar behind signifies a turning point, as she prioritizes sharing the news of Jesus over her immediate physical need for water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Greek word hudria mean?

Hudria refers to a large jar or vessel used for holding water. In the New Testament, it appears only in the Gospel of John, where it describes containers used for ritual purification and daily water storage.

Why is hudria significant in the Bible?

This word highlights how Jesus interacts with everyday objects to reveal spiritual truths. In John 2, He uses purification jars to perform His first miracle, and in John 4, a woman leaves her jar behind after encountering Him, showing a shift from physical to spiritual sustenance.

How is hudria different from other words for container?

While other Greek words might refer to smaller vessels or cups, hudria specifically denotes a larger, utilitarian jar. It emphasizes the practical, heavy nature of water storage in ancient times, contrasting with delicate drinking vessels.

Where else does this word appear in Scripture?

Hudria appears only three times in the New Testament, all within the Gospel of John. These occurrences are found in the accounts of the wedding at Cana (John 2:6-7) and the encounter with the Samaritan woman (John 4:28).

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

John 3 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…

John 2:7

Jesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.

John 4:28

So the woman left her water pot, went away into the city, and said to the people,