Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary John 2:6

"Now there were six waterpots of stone set there after the Jews` manner of purifying, containing two or three firkins apiece." — John 2:6 (ASV)

The stone jars were large, containing about twenty gallons apiece. By the social rules of the day, all the guests were expected to wash their hands before eating, and a considerable amount of water would be needed for this. At the lowest estimate, 120 gallons of water would be available. If made into wine, it would supply approximately two thousand four-ounce glasses; and if, as was frequently customary, the wine was further diluted by three parts of water to one of wine, there would have been enough to last for several days.