Ezekiel 45:13 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 45:13 mean?

Ezekiel 45:13 sets out a specific offering that the people of Israel are to bring: one-sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat and one-sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley. This verse gives a precise measurement for the grain offering required as part of Israel’s worship.

The prophet Ezekiel is relaying God’s instructions to the Israelites about how to organize their offerings after their return from exile. The context is a vision of a renewed temple and worship system, where detailed rules are given for fairness and order. This verse is part of a larger section describing how the people should contribute to the needs of the sanctuary and its rituals.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 45:13

• "oblation" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word means a contribution or offering set aside for a special purpose, often for religious use. Here, it highlights that the portion of grain is not just a tax but a sacred gift.
• "ephah" (אֵיפָה, ephah) and "homer" (חֹמֶר, chomer): These are ancient Hebrew units of dry measure. An ephah is about 22 liters (about 5.8 gallons), and a homer is ten times that. The verse’s focus on exact fractions shows the emphasis on fairness and precision in worship.
• "wheat" (חִטָּה, chittah) and "barley" (שְׂעֹרָה, seorah): Naming both grains shows that the offering applies to the main staple foods, not just one crop, making the rule comprehensive.

Why Ezekiel 45:13 matters

• This verse clears up how much each person was expected to give, preventing confusion or unfairness in the offerings for temple service.
• By specifying both wheat and barley, Ezekiel 45:13 shows that God’s instructions covered the full range of agricultural produce, not just the most valuable crop.
• The verse fits into a larger passage where Ezekiel describes a just and orderly system for worship, contrasting with earlier times when offerings could be abused or unevenly required.