And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering.

EXODUS 29:40KJV
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Exodus 29:40 (KJV)

What does Exodus 29:40 mean?

Exodus 29:40 gives specific instructions for what should be offered with one of the daily lambs in Israel’s tabernacle worship: a measured amount of flour mixed with oil, and a set amount of wine as a drink offering. These details show that the daily sacrifice was not just about the animal, but included grain, oil, and wine as part of the ritual.

God is speaking to Moses, giving him detailed directions for the daily offerings that the priests are to make on behalf of the people. The verse spells out the exact portions: a tenth of an ephah of flour, a quarter of a hin of beaten oil, and a quarter of a hin of wine. This careful measurement underlines the order and care expected in Israel’s worship, and these offerings were part of the morning and evening sacrifices that set the rhythm of Israel’s relationship with God.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 29:40

  • The word for "tenth" is עֵשׂרֹן (ʿeśrōn), which refers to a tenth part, often understood as a tenth of an ephah, a standard measure for grain. This shows the offering was not random but precisely measured.
  • "Hin" is הִין (hin), an ancient liquid measure, roughly equivalent to about 3.8 liters or 1 gallon. The use of "the fourth part of a hin" for both oil and wine shows the offerings were generous but standardized.
  • "Beaten oil" uses the word כָּתִית (katit), meaning oil that has been specially pressed or beaten, usually from the first pressing of olives, considered the purest and best quality. This highlights that only the finest ingredients were to be used in worship.

Why Exodus 29:40 matters

  • This verse helps clear up the idea that Old Testament sacrifices were only about animals; it shows that grain, oil, and wine were also important parts of daily worship.
  • The exact measurements emphasize that worship in ancient Israel was meant to be orderly and thoughtful, not haphazard or careless.
  • By connecting to the wider passage, Exodus 29:40 shows how the daily offerings were a regular, ongoing act that shaped Israel’s relationship with God, not just a one-time event.