John 2:7
Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim.
Original Language Analysis
λέγει
saith
G3004
λέγει
saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτὰς
them
G846
αὐτὰς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
τὰς
G3588
τὰς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὑδρίας
the waterpots
G5201
ὑδρίας
the waterpots
Strong's:
G5201
Word #:
7 of 13
a water-jar, i.e., receptacle for family supply
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτὰς
them
G846
αὐτὰς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
11 of 13
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
Cross References
John 2:5His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it.John 2:3And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine.1 Kings 17:13And Elijah said unto her, Fear not; go and do as thou hast said: but make me thereof a little cake first, and bring it unto me, and after make for thee and for thy son.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does filling the jars 'to the brim' illustrate the relationship between obedience and blessing?
- Where might partial obedience be limiting God's work in your life?
Related Resources
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Analysis & 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.