Ezekiel 46 11

Ezekiel 46:11 kjv

And in the feasts and in the solemnities the meat offering shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

Ezekiel 46:11 nkjv

At the festivals and the appointed feast days the grain offering shall be an ephah for a bull, an ephah for a ram, as much as he wants to give for the lambs, and a hin of oil with every ephah.

Ezekiel 46:11 niv

At the feasts and the appointed festivals, the grain offering is to be an ephah with a bull, an ephah with a ram, and with the lambs as much as he pleases, along with a hin of oil for each ephah.

Ezekiel 46:11 esv

"At the feasts and the appointed festivals, the grain offering with a young bull shall be an ephah, and with a ram an ephah, and with the lambs as much as one is able to give, together with a hin of oil to an ephah.

Ezekiel 46:11 nlt

"So at the special feasts and sacred festivals, the grain offering will be a basket of choice flour with each young bull, another basket of flour with each ram, and as much flour as the worshiper chooses to give with each lamb. Give one gallon of olive oil with each basket of flour.

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 11 meaning

Ezekiel 46:11 details the prescribed offerings the prince (nasi) must provide during the appointed feasts and solemn assemblies in the visionary temple. Specifically, for each bullock and ram sacrificed, one ephah of grain (as a meal offering) is required. For the lambs, the amount of grain offering is left to the prince's financial capability. Furthermore, for every ephah of grain offered, one hin of oil must be presented. This outlines a standard of generous and proportionate giving in divine worship during significant occasions.

Ezekiel 46 11 Context

Ezekiel 46:11 is embedded within the concluding section of the book of Ezekiel (chapters 40-48), which presents an elaborate vision of a new temple, a restored priesthood, and renewed worship in the post-exilic era, signifying God's abiding presence and order. This particular verse falls within chapter 46, which details the specific offerings and gates associated with the prince (nasi) and the people on Sabbaths, New Moons, and other significant feast days. The overall context for these specific cultic laws is to ensure that worship in the restored community is pure, ordered, and in full adherence to God's standards, thereby contrasting with the past failures that led to exile. Historically, such precise instructions for offerings underscore the sanctity of the temple and the necessity of proper approach to God, reflecting earlier Mosaic laws (e.g., in Leviticus and Numbers) but often with specific modifications unique to Ezekiel's visionary temple. This detailed prescription serves as an ideal blueprint for renewed devotion, contrasting with the often corrupt or insufficient worship practices seen in previous generations of Israel.

Ezekiel 46 11 Word analysis

• And in the feasts (וּבַמּוֹעֲדִים - u'va'mo'a'dim): The Hebrew word mo'edim refers to "appointed times" or "sacred assemblies." These are God-ordained holy days, such as Passover, Pentecost, and Sukkot, established in the Torah. The inclusion here highlights their continued importance in the visionary temple.
• and in the solemnities (וּבֶחָגִּים - u'va'khagim): The Hebrew word khagim often denotes pilgrimage festivals, literally "dances" or "circular marches," emphasizing the joyous, communal gathering and celebration associated with these occasions. Used in conjunction with mo'edim, it signifies all major, divinely appointed festivals and celebrations.
• the oblation (הַמִּנְחָה - ha'minchah): Refers specifically to the grain or meal offering. This was typically a bloodless sacrifice of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, symbolizing thanksgiving, dedication of labor, and sustenance, complementing the animal sacrifices.
• shall be an ephah (תִּהְיֶה אֵיפָה - tih'yeh 'ei'phah): An ephah was a standard dry measure, approximately 22 liters or about 0.6 bushel. Specifying this quantity underscores a precise, established order for worship, preventing casual or insufficient offerings.
• to a bullock (לַפָּר - la'par): Indicates that this specified ephah of grain is to accompany the sacrifice of a bullock, a significant and often costly offering, used for various purposes including sin, burnt, and peace offerings.
• and an ephah (וְאֵיפָה - ve'ei'phah): Repetition of the measurement emphasizes consistency and equal dedication whether for a bullock or a ram.
• to a ram (לָאֵיל - la'eyl): Denotes the ram as another important sacrificial animal, usually smaller than a bullock but still a significant offering.
• and to the lambs (וְלַכְּבָשִׂים - ve'la'kevashim): Refers to multiple lambs, typically younger sheep. Lambs were frequently used for communal and individual sacrifices due to their relative affordability and availability.
• as he is able to give (אֲשֶׁר תַּשִׂיג יָדוֹ - asher tassig yado): Literally "as his hand attains" or "as his hand reaches." This phrase introduces a principle of flexibility based on the prince's financial capacity, especially for the more numerous and potentially varied lamb offerings. It implies giving his best effort within his means, acknowledging practical limitations while still upholding generosity.
• and an hin of oil (וְהִין שֶׁמֶן - ve'hin she'men): A hin was a standard liquid measure, approximately 3.7 liters or about 1 gallon. Oil symbolized purity, consecration, light, and sometimes the Holy Spirit, often mixed with or poured over grain offerings.
• to an ephah (לָאֵיפָה - la'ei'phah): This final clause establishes the precise ratio: one hin of oil for every ephah of grain. This fixed proportion ensures consistency and proper execution of the composite offering.

• "And in the feasts and in the solemnities": This phrase encompasses all significant religious holidays and appointed times for gathering and worship, underscoring the universal application of these laws to the major annual calendar events. It points to a regulated and cyclical pattern of communal worship.
• "the oblation shall be an ephah to a bullock, and an ephah to a ram": This establishes a unified and generous standard for the grain offering accompanying the two larger sacrificial animals, indicating a high level of expectation for devotion in the new temple's worship, potentially signifying a greater readiness to give to God.
• "and to the lambs as he is able to give": This phrase uniquely allows for a measure of discretion based on capacity, showing a practical compassion within the otherwise strict framework. While large animals required a fixed measure, the more numerous and perhaps frequent lamb sacrifices could be adjusted to the prince's resources, emphasizing an earnest effort rather than a burdensome impossible standard for the quantity of associated grain offerings.
• "and an hin of oil to an ephah": This sets a fixed ratio between the liquid and dry components of the meal offering. Such precision in measurements ensures a standardized, orderly, and complete offering, symbolizing dedication and purity in worship.

Ezekiel 46 11 Bonus section

• Deviation from Earlier Law: The specified quantities for grain offerings in Ezekiel 46:11 (one ephah for a bullock and a ram) differ significantly from some earlier Mosaic regulations (e.g., Num 28-29, where a bullock received 3/10 of an ephah and a ram 2/10). This disparity suggests that Ezekiel's vision is not merely a repetition of previous laws but presents an idealized, elevated, or potentially symbolic system of worship for a new era, emphasizing an even greater measure of dedication and provision.
• Theological Significance of Measures: The precision in units like 'ephah' and 'hin' points to God's desire for orderly, calculated, and wholehearted worship. Nothing is to be left to arbitrary choice; all aspects of approaching Him are predetermined and sanctified. This detailed planning communicates the sacredness and importance of communal worship.
• Princely Role in Corporate Worship: The prince's designated responsibility for providing these offerings underscores his leadership in the spiritual life of the community. He is not only a ruler but also a facilitator of proper worship, bridging the gap between God's commands and the people's ability to participate collectively. This reflects a Christ-like leadership that ensures people can properly approach God.

Ezekiel 46 11 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:11 meticulously prescribes the grain and oil components of the offerings the prince is to make during the principal religious festivals in the envisioned temple. The consistent requirement of one ephah of grain for each bullock and ram highlights a standard of generous and exact worship for the key sacrifices. Notably, for lambs, the specific instruction "as he is able to give" introduces a nuanced principle: while precision and liberality are paramount, there is also an understanding of practical means. This suggests that worship, while divinely commanded, is to be offered with wholeheartedness and within the giver's capacity, yet without cheapening the offering. The precise ratio of oil to grain further ensures the proper and sanctified nature of these foundational expressions of devotion. The overall message is one of an ideal, disciplined, and wholeheartedly committed worship community, led by a prince dedicated to upholding God's perfect standards for approaching Him.