New International VersionJesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water"; so they filled them to the brim.
New Living TranslationJesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” When the jars had been filled,
English Standard VersionJesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Berean Standard BibleJesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim.
Berean Literal BibleJesus says to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
King James BibleJesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
New King James VersionJesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
New American Standard BibleJesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
NASB 1995Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
NASB 1977Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim.
Legacy Standard BibleJesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
Amplified BibleJesus said to the servants, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim.
Christian Standard Bible“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim.
Holman Christian Standard Bible“Fill the jars with water,” Jesus told them. So they filled them to the brim.
American Standard VersionJesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Contemporary English VersionJesus told the servants to fill them to the top with water. Then after the jars had been filled,
English Revised VersionJesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationJesus told the servers, "Fill the jars with water." The servers filled the jars to the brim.
Good News TranslationJesus said to the servants, "Fill these jars with water." They filled them to the brim,
International Standard VersionJesus told the servants, "Fill the jars with water." So they filled them up to the brim.
NET BibleJesus told the servants, "Fill the water jars with water." So they filled them up to the very top.
New Heart English BibleJesus said to them, "Fill the water jars with water." They filled them up to the brim.
Webster's Bible TranslationJesus saith to them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them to the brim.
Weymouth New TestamentJesus said to the attendants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them to the brim. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleJesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim.
World English BibleJesus said to them, “Fill the water pots with water.” So they filled them up to the brim. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionJesus says to them, “Fill the water-jugs with water”; and they filled them—to the brim;
Berean Literal BibleJesus says to them, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
Young's Literal Translation Jesus saith to them, 'Fill the water-jugs with water;' and they filled them -- unto the brim;
Smith's Literal TranslationJesus says to them, Fill the water buckets with water. And they filled them even up over. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleJesus saith to them: Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Catholic Public Domain VersionJesus said to them, “Fill the water jars with water.” And they filled them to the very top.
New American BibleJesus told them, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim.
New Revised Standard VersionJesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleJesus said to them, Fill the jars with water; and they filled them up to the brim.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishYeshua said to them: “Fill the watercasks with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentJesus said to them: Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them to the brim.
Godbey New TestamentFill the waterpots with water. They filled them to the brim.
Haweis New Testament
Jesus saith to them, Fill these jars with water. And they filled them to the brim.
Mace New Testament
these Jesus order'd the waiters to fill with water, so they filled them up to the brim.
Weymouth New Testament
Jesus said to the attendants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them to the brim.
Worrell New Testament
Jesus saith to them,"Fill the waterpots with water." And they filled them up to the brim.
Worsley New Testament
Jesus saith unto them,Fill the water-pots with water: and they filled them up to the brim.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Wedding at Cana… 6Now six stone water jars had been set there for the Jewish rites of purification. Each could hold from twenty to thirty gallons. 7Jesustoldthe servants,“Fillthejarswith water.”Sothey filledthemtothe brim.8“Now draw some out,” He said, “and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so,…
Cross References John 4:46-54So once again He came to Cana in Galilee, where He had turned the water into wine. And there was a royal official whose son lay sick at Capernaum. / When he heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went and begged Him to come down and heal his son, who was about to die. / Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.” ...
John 6:1-14After this, Jesus crossed to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (that is, the Sea of Tiberias). / A large crowd followed Him because they saw the signs He was performing on the sick. / Then Jesus went up on the mountain and sat down with His disciples. ...
John 11:39-44“Take away the stone,” Jesus said. “Lord, by now he stinks,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man. “It has already been four days.” / Jesus replied, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” / So they took away the stone. Then Jesus lifted His eyes upward and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ...
John 13:3-5Jesus knew that the Father had delivered all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was returning to God. / So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. / After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him.
John 17:1-5When Jesus had spoken these things, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You. / For You granted Him authority over all people, so that He may give eternal life to all those You have given Him. / Now this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent. ...
Matthew 14:13-21When Jesus heard about John, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. But the crowds found out about it and followed Him on foot from the towns. / When He stepped ashore and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them and healed their sick. / When evening came, the disciples came to Him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. Dismiss the crowds so they can go to the villages and buy themselves some food.” ...
Matthew 15:32-39Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may faint along the way.” / The disciples replied, “Where in this desolate place could we find enough bread to feed such a large crowd?” / “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” ...
Mark 6:35-44By now the hour was already late. So the disciples came to Jesus and said, “This is a desolate place, and the hour is already late. / Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” They asked Him, “Should we go out and spend two hundred denarii to give all of them bread to eat?” ...
Mark 8:1-9In those days the crowd once again became very large, and they had nothing to eat. Jesus called the disciples to Him and said, / “I have compassion for this crowd, because they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. / If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a great distance.” ...
Luke 9:12-17As the day neared its end, the Twelve came to Jesus and said, “Dismiss the crowd so they can go to the surrounding villages and countryside for lodging and provisions. For we are in a desolate place here.” / But Jesus told them, “You give them something to eat.” “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered, “unless we go and buy food for all these people.” / (There were about five thousand men.) He told His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” ...
Luke 22:7-20Then came the day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb was to be sacrificed. / Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and make preparations for us to eat the Passover.” / “Where do You want us to prepare it?” they asked. ...
Exodus 7:19-20And the LORD said to Moses, “Tell Aaron, ‘Take your staff and stretch out your hand over the waters of Egypt—over their rivers and canals and ponds and all the reservoirs—that they may become blood.’ There will be blood throughout the land of Egypt, even in the vessels of wood and stone.” / Moses and Aaron did just as the LORD had commanded; in the presence of Pharaoh and his officials, Aaron raised the staff and struck the water of the Nile, and all the water was turned to blood.
Exodus 17:5-6And the LORD said to Moses, “Walk on ahead of the people and take some of the elders of Israel with you. Take along in your hand the staff with which you struck the Nile, and go. / Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. And when you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink.” So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel.
1 Kings 17:8-16Then the word of the LORD came to Elijah: / “Get up and go to Zarephath of Sidon, and stay there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to provide for you.” / So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” ...
2 Kings 4:1-7Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!” / “How can I help you?” asked Elisha. “Tell me, what do you have in the house?” She answered, “Your servant has nothing in the house but a jar of oil.” / “Go,” said Elisha, “borrow empty jars from all your neighbors. Do not gather just a few. ...
Treasury of Scripture Jesus said to them, Fill the water pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. Fill. John 2:3,5 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine… Numbers 21:6-9 And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died… Joshua 6:3-5 And ye shall compass the city, allye men of war,and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days… Jump to Previous AttendantsBrimFillFilledFullJarsJesusPotsServantsTopWaterWaterpotsJump to Next AttendantsBrimFillFilledFullJarsJesusPotsServantsTopWaterWaterpotsJohn 2 1.Jesus turns water into wine;12.departs into Capernaum,13.and to Jerusalem,14.where he purges the temple of buyers and sellers.18.He foretells his death and resurrection.23.Many believe because of his miracles, but he will not trust himself with them.Jesus told the servantsThis phrase highlights Jesus' authority and the obedience of the servants. In the cultural context of a Jewish wedding, servants played a crucial role in ensuring the event ran smoothly. Jesus' command to the servants indicates His active participation in the event, foreshadowing His role as a servant leader. This moment also reflects the theme of obedience to divine instruction, which is a recurring motif throughout Scripture, such as in the obedience of Noah in Genesis 6:22. “Fill the jars with water.”
The jars mentioned were large stone water jars used for Jewish purification rites, as noted earlier in the chapter. This detail underscores the significance of purification in Jewish tradition, as seen inLeviticus 11-15. The act of filling these jars with water, a common and abundant element, sets the stage for a miraculous transformation, symbolizing the new covenant and the transformative power of Jesus' ministry. This act can be seen as a type of Jesus' ability to bring about spiritual cleansing and renewal. So they filled them to the brim.
The servants' action of filling the jars to the brim demonstrates complete obedience and faithfulness to Jesus' command. This detail emphasizes the abundance and completeness of the miracle that is about to occur. The overflowing jars can be seen as a symbol of the overflowing grace and blessings that come through Christ, as echoed in passages likePsalm 23:5 andEphesians 3:20. The fullness of the jars also prefigures the fullness of joy and salvation that Jesus brings, as later illustrated inJohn 10:10. Persons / Places / Events 1. JesusThe central figure in this passage, Jesus is performing His first recorded miracle at the wedding in Cana, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. 2. ServantsThese individuals are instructed by Jesus to fill the jars with water, playing a crucial role in the unfolding miracle. 3. Wedding at CanaThe setting of this event, a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee, where Jesus performs His first miracle, turning water into wine. 4. Water JarsLarge stone jars used for Jewish ceremonial washing, which Jesus instructs to be filled with water, later transformed into wine. 5. Mary, Mother of JesusAlthough not directly mentioned in verse 7, she plays a pivotal role in the account by bringing the need to Jesus' attention. Teaching Points Obedience to Christ's CommandsThe servants' obedience in filling the jars to the brim demonstrates the importance of following Jesus' instructions fully, even when the outcome is not immediately clear. Transformation through ChristJust as water was transformed into wine, Jesus has the power to transform our lives, bringing newness and abundance where there was once emptiness. Faith in ActionThe miracle at Cana encourages believers to act in faith, trusting that Jesus can work beyond our understanding and expectations. Symbolism of AbundanceThe overflowing jars symbolize the abundant life Jesus offers, reminding us of His provision and the richness of life in Him. Role of Servants in God's WorkThe servants' role highlights that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, encouraging us to be ready and willing to serve. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of John 2:7?
2.How does Jesus' command in John 2:7 demonstrate His authority and divine power?
3.What can we learn about obedience from the servants filling the jars?
4.How does John 2:7 connect to Old Testament miracles involving water?
5.In what ways can we trust Jesus' instructions in our daily lives?
6.How can we apply the principle of obedience from John 2:7 today?
7.How does John 2:7 demonstrate Jesus' authority over nature?
8.What is the significance of Jesus' first miracle in John 2:7?
9.Why did Jesus choose water to wine as His first miracle in John 2:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from John 2?
11.Why is there no scientific evidence of water turning into wine?
12.Why did Jesus transform water into wine?
13.What miracle did Jesus perform at the Cana wedding?
14.What did Jesus mean by 'My hour has not yet come'?What Does John 2:7 Mean Jesus told the servants• The Lord of glory personally directs ordinary people, demonstrating His willingness to work through humble service (John 2:5;Matthew 20:28). • His spoken word is never casual; whenever Jesus speaks, divine authority is released (Genesis 1:3;Mark 4:39). • The servants’ presence shows that God often chooses the unnoticed to participate in His miracles (1 Corinthians 1:27-29). • By addressing them, Jesus honors obedience above social status (Luke 17:10;Colossians 3:23-24).
Fill the jars with water• The command is clear and simple—no explanation, only action—underscoring that faith takes God at His word (Hebrews 11:8;James 2:17). • Water jars were used for Jewish purification (John 2:6); filling them anticipates Jesus’ fulfillment of the Old Covenant’s outward rituals with inward, transforming grace (Hebrews 10:1-10). • The ordinary element of water becomes the raw material for a miracle, teaching that God uses what is at hand (Exodus 4:2;2 Kings 4:2-4). • Obedience precedes revelation; the servants must act before they see the outcome (John 11:39-40).
So they filled them to the brim• Complete obedience—“to the brim”—allows no room for human addition, ensuring that the coming miracle is entirely the work of God (Ephesians 2:9;2 Corinthians 4:7). • Their thoroughness models wholehearted service; half-measures would have limited the blessing (Proverbs 3:9-10;Malachi 3:10). • The abundance (roughly 120–180 gallons) mirrors Christ’s overflowing grace (John 1:16;Ephesians 3:20). • The servants silently testify that faith expresses itself through diligent action (1 Thessalonians 1:3;Titus 2:14).
summaryJohn 2:7 showcases the power of obedient faith. The Lord speaks; humble servants act without reservation; and their thorough obedience becomes the stage for Jesus’ first public sign. By filling every jar to the brim, they make it unmistakable that the transformation from water to wine is wholly divine. The verse invites believers today to respond promptly, fully, and expectantly to Christ’s commands, trusting that He still turns the ordinary into the extraordinary for His glory. (7) Fill the waterpots.--It is implied that the pitchers were wholly or in part empty, the water in them having been used for the ablutions before the feast. The persons ordered are the servants ( John 2:5). "Up to the brim" marks the willing care with which the order was obeyed, and an expectation through the household of some work to be wrought. Verse 7. - Jesus saith to them, Fill the water pets with water. And they filled them to the brim. They had, therefore, been emptied already for the purifying purposes and processes of the large party, probably suggesting that the friends of the bridegroom were solicitous to obey the religious discipline which was believed to be in harmony with the Divine will. The expression, ἕως ἄνω, seems added to emphasize the quantity of wine thus provided. The miracle took place between the filling of the jars and their being drawn upon. We are not permitted to look more closely into this mystery. The finger of God, the will of the Creator, determines the result. The servants knew that they had filled the jars with water. The next thing, and all that we know, is that the Lord said -
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek JesusἸησοῦς(Iēsous)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.toldλέγει(legei)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004:(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.[the servants],αὐτοῖς(autois)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.“FillΓεμίσατε(Gemisate)Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1072:To fill, load. Transitive from gemo; to fill entirely.theτὰς(tas)Article - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.jarsὑδρίας(hydrias)Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural
Strong's 5201:A water pot, jar, pitcher. From hudor; a water-jar, i.e. Receptacle for family supply.with water.”ὕδατος(hydatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 5204:Water. And genitive case, hudatos, etc. From the base of huetos; water literally or figuratively.SoΚαὶ(Kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.they filledἐγέμισαν(egemisan)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 1072:To fill, load. Transitive from gemo; to fill entirely.themαὐτὰς(autas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Feminine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.toἕως(heōs)Preposition
Strong's 2193:A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.[the] brim.ἄνω(anō)Adverb
Strong's 507:Up, above, up to the top, up to the brim, things above, heaven, the heavenly region. Adverb from anti; upward or on the top.
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NT Gospels: John 2:7 Jesus said to them Fill the water (Jhn Jo Jn) |
