μετρητής

μετρητής

a measure, amphora

Definition

The Greek word μετρητής (metrētēs) refers to a specific unit of liquid measure, equivalent to a Jewish bath or an amphora. In the New Testament, it is used exclusively to describe the large stone water jars at the wedding in Cana (John 2:6). Each jar held two or three μετρηταί, which scholars estimate was about 39 liters (8.75 gallons) per measure. This precise measurement highlights the substantial quantity of water that Jesus transformed into wine, emphasizing the magnitude of the miraculous sign.

Biblical Usage

This word appears only once in the New Testament, in John 2:6. It is used in a narrative context to specify the capacity of the six stone water jars used for Jewish purification rites. The usage is purely descriptive, providing a concrete detail that underscores the scale of the miracle performed by Jesus.

Etymology

Derived from the verb μετρέω (metreō), meaning 'to measure.' The noun μετρητής is an agent noun, literally meaning 'a measurer' or 'that which measures,' and came to denote the specific container or standard unit of measurement itself. It is cognate with other measurement terms in Greek.

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a mundane measurement term, its single biblical occurrence is theologically significant. The precise measurement in John 2:6 quantifies the abundance of Jesus's first sign. Transforming 120-180 gallons of water into high-quality wine vividly symbolizes the overflowing, superior grace and new life of the Messianic age, replacing the old Jewish purification rituals represented by the stone jars. In the ancient world, a μετρητής was a standard liquid measure, roughly equivalent to the Hebrew 'bath.' The stone jars mentioned in John 2:6 were associated with Jewish ceremonial washings (cf. Mark 7:3-4). Their large size and stone material, which was considered less susceptible to ritual impurity, were typical for storing water used in purification rites before meals. βάτος (batos, G943) — The Hebrew/Greek equivalent liquid measure, also translated 'bath.' | χοῖνιξ (choinix, G5518) — A smaller dry measure, a quart. | κόρος (koros, G2884) — A much larger dry measure, about 10-12 bushels.

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