The hudria was a large ceramic vessel with three handles—two small side handles for lifting and one vertical handle for pouring—specifically designed for carrying water. Women typically carried these to wells or springs, balancing them on their heads or shoulders. The size varied, but they could hold 20-30 liters. Though the root meaning is "water pot," the term could apply to other large vessels. All New Testament uses are literal, describing actual water jars in Jesus' ministry, making this everyday object a participant in miraculous and evangelistic moments.