And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

EZEKIEL 46:5KJV
Know the Bible

Ezekiel 46:5 (KJV)

What does Ezekiel 46:5 mean?

Ezekiel 46:5 gives specific instructions for offerings in the temple, stating that when a ram is offered, the accompanying grain offering should be an ephah (a set measure), and for lambs, the amount of grain offering depends on what the giver can provide, with a set amount of oil (a hin) for each ephah of grain. This verse sets out the portions for different sacrifices during worship.

In this part of Ezekiel, God is giving the prophet Ezekiel detailed rules for temple worship, directed toward the leaders and people of Israel in a future restored temple. The verse highlights both fixed and flexible requirements: the ram’s grain offering is fixed, but for lambs, there is allowance for the worshiper’s ability. The mention of specific measures like "ephah" and "hin" shows the practical, organized nature of these instructions.

The Hebrew behind Ezekiel 46:5

  • אֵיפָה (ephah, "ephah"): This is a Hebrew unit of dry measure, roughly equivalent to 22 liters or about half a bushel. Its use here shows the set quantity expected for the grain offering with a ram.
  • כֶּבֶשׂ (keves, "lambs"): The word refers specifically to young sheep, and the verse allows flexibility ("as he shall be able to give") for the amount of grain offering with lambs, showing consideration for the worshiper's means.
  • הִין (hin, "hin"): This is a Hebrew liquid measure, about 3.8 liters or one gallon. The instruction to add a hin of oil to each ephah of grain offering emphasizes the careful proportions in the ritual.
  • יָדוֹ (yado, "able"): This word literally means "his hand," and in this context, it is often understood as "according to his ability," highlighting that the offering for lambs can vary depending on what the person can afford.

Why Ezekiel 46:5 matters

  • Ezekiel 46:5 clarifies that worship in the temple involved both fixed and flexible offerings, balancing order with compassion for individual circumstances.
  • The verse shows attention to fairness and accessibility, allowing those with fewer resources to participate in worship without being overburdened.
  • This instruction fits into a larger section where Ezekiel describes a future temple and its rituals, emphasizing the importance of both structure and mercy in approaching God.

Where else these words appear

“give” Hebrew H4991 · used in 6 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:7 And the king said unto the man of God, Come home with me, and refresh thyself, and I will give thee a reward.
  • Proverbs 25:14 Whoso boasteth himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain.
  • Ecclesiastes 5:19 Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labour; this is the gift of God.

“hin” Hebrew H1969 · used in 19 verses

  • Exodus 29:40 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.
  • Numbers 15:6 Or for a ram, thou shalt prepare for a meat offering two tenth deals of flour mingled with the third part of an hin of oil.
  • Numbers 28:14 And their drink offerings shall be half an hin of wine unto a bullock, and the third part of an hin unto a ram, and a fourth part of an hin unto a lamb: this is the burnt offering of every month throughout the months of the year.

“ephah” Hebrew H374 · used in 29 verses

  • Exodus 16:36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah.
  • Ruth 2:17 So she gleaned in the field until even, and beat out that she had gleaned: and it was about an ephah of barley.
  • Ezekiel 46:7 And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

“lambs” Hebrew H3532 · used in 100 verses

  • Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:
  • Numbers 7:53 And for a sacrifice of peace offerings, two oxen, five rams, five he goats, five lambs of the first year: this was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud.
  • Numbers 29:17 And on the second day ye shall offer twelve young bullocks, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot: