Die Perikope von der Hochzeit zu Kana ( Joh 2:1-11) im Kontext der Spätantike

Abstract

Abstract One focus of the interpretation of the Wedding at Cana ( John 2:1-11) is usually the abundance of wine. The amount of water in the six large jars, which is changed into wine, seems to be enormous. However, the amount is traditionally not put into the context of the average consumption of wine in antiquity. Archaeological and papyrological sources suggest that—in the context of antiquity—the amount seems not to be extraordinarily large. Rather, the amount of wine seems to be sufficient just for a “common household.” This is important for the interpretation of the entire passage: The “abundance of wine” is very often related to the hypothesis that this supposed abundance is to be seen in the context of the attempt to surpass the cult of Dionysos.