Bible Dictionary
Firkin
A firkin was an ancient liquid measure used for the water pots at Cana. It was approximately equivalent to the Hebrew bath and held about nine gallons.
Definition
A firkin was an ancient liquid measure, regarded as equivalent to the Hebrew bath and holding about nine gallons.
Biblical Usage
The firkin measured the capacity of the water pots at Cana in the account of Jesus’ miracle of turning water into wine.
Historical Background
The term referred to the Attic amphora as a measure for liquids.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Used only in John 2:6; the Attic amphora, equivalent to the Hebrew bath (q.v.), a measure for liquids containing about 8 7/8 gallons.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Weights And Measures AND Measures]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>fur'-kin (metretes):</p><p>The liquid measure used in Joh 2:6 to indicate the capacity of the water-pots mentioned in the narrative of the miracle of turning the water into wine. It is regarded as equivalent to the Hebrew bath, and thus contained about nine gallons.</p><p>See WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.</p>