📖 Biblical Definition
The turning of water into wine is Christ’s first sign in John’s Gospel (John 2:1-11) — performed at the wedding at Cana of Galilee. Six stone water-pots, each holding twenty to thirty gallons (a total of 120 to 180 gallons), were filled to the brim at His command and became fine wine. The master of the feast was astonished: "Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now" (v. 10). John concludes: "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him" (v. 11). The Bridegroom inaugurates His ministry at a wedding by providing the wine.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
WATER INTO WIN, n.
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A scriptural sign of Christ; the first miracle in John's Gospel.
📖 Key Scripture
John 2:7 — "Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim."
John 2:9 — "When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine."
John 2:10 — "Thou hast kept the good wine until now."
John 2:11 — "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern Christianity sometimes argues whether Christ made fermented wine; the text and amount end the debate.
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John 2:1-11 is the first sign in John's Gospel, and it is loaded with significance. Christ provided 120-180 gallons of superior wine for a wedding party. Some modern Christians argue He must have made grape juice for moral reasons; the Greek oinos and the master's comment about people having “well drunk” refute the argument. He made wine, and a great quantity of it.
The deeper sign is theological. The water in the stone jars was for ceremonial purification — the old order of religious cleansing. Christ's wine replaces it. The new covenant exceeds the old in quality and quantity; what He provides is so much better that the master mistakes the timing. Bring your empty jars to Christ; He still fills them to the brim.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Greek roots below.
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G3631 — oinos — wine
G4581 — semeion — sign
Usage
"Modern Christianity argues whether Christ made fermented wine; the text settles it."
"The water-of-purification became wine; the new covenant exceeds the old."
"Bring your empty jars to Christ; He still fills them to the brim."