Did the wine jars of Cana overflow on the miracle?
-1
votes
1
answer
158
views
We see minute details of preparation for the first-ever public miracle of Jesus in John 2:6-7:
>Nearby stood six stone water jars, the kind used by the Jews for ceremonial washing, each holding from twenty to thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water”; so they filled them to the brim.
The density of wine is slightly less than that of water, at about 0.99 g/mL. So if you have a standard glass of wine, that's roughly 150 mL, converting that to grams, you're at about 148.5 grams. In other words, 148.5 mL of pure water, if turned into wine, would make 150 mL. Given that each of the six jars had a capacity of 20 to 30 gallons, and each having been filled to the brim, there was all possibility that once the water turned into wine, the jars were no longer able to hold it without spilling.
Now, John the Evangelist has the distinction of having recorded minute details of events, especially miracles. See for example, John 6:12-13:
>When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.” So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
When John wrote that the jars had been filled 'to the brim 'prior to the miracle, there was some purpose. However, he does not mention if the jars were able to hold the water since miraculously turned into wine. Of course, the guests were desperately waiting for wine, and the jars would soon run dry. So, the phenomenon of overflowing must have been momentary.
Are any apocryphal writings available on the post-miracle wine jars of Cana?
Asked by Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan
(13704 rep)
Dec 30, 2023, 03:24 AM
Last activity: Dec 31, 2023, 11:12 AM
Last activity: Dec 31, 2023, 11:12 AM