King James Version

What Does John 2:7 Mean?

John 2:7 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. — study this verse from John chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

John 2:7 · KJV


Context

5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.

6

And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece.

7

Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.

8

And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it.

9

When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus commands the servants to fill the jars 'to the brim'—complete fullness, maximum capacity. There's no hesitation or partial measure. When Christ provides, He provides abundantly. The servants obeyed completely—the text emphasizes 'they filled them up to the brim.' Full obedience precedes the miracle. Had they partially filled the jars, the miracle would have been proportionally limited.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The quantity of wine produced—120-180 gallons—far exceeded immediate need, demonstrating superabundant grace. This excess mirrors God's character throughout Scripture: 'exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think' (Ephesians 3:20). The servants' complete obedience models faithful response to Christ's commands.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does filling the jars 'to the brim' illustrate the relationship between obedience and blessing?
  2. Where might partial obedience be limiting God's work in your life?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
λέγει1 of 13

saith

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτὰς2 of 13

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 13

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

ἐγέμισαν5 of 13

Fill

G1072

to fill entirely

τὰς6 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὑδρίας7 of 13

the waterpots

G5201

a water-jar, i.e., receptacle for family supply

ὕδατος8 of 13

with water

G5204

water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively

καὶ9 of 13

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐγέμισαν10 of 13

Fill

G1072

to fill entirely

αὐτὰς11 of 13

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἕως12 of 13

to

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἄνω13 of 13

the brim

G507

upward or on the top


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 2:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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