Ezekiel 46 5

Ezekiel 46:5 kjv

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 46:5 nkjv

and the grain offering shall be one ephah for a ram, and the grain offering for the lambs, as much as he wants to give, as well as a hin of oil with every ephah.

Ezekiel 46:5 niv

The grain offering given with the ram is to be an ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs is to be as much as he pleases, along with a hin of olive oil for each ephah.

Ezekiel 46:5 esv

And the grain offering with the ram shall be an ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs shall be as much as he is able, together with a hin of oil to each ephah.

Ezekiel 46:5 nlt

He will present a grain offering of a basket of choice flour to go with the ram and whatever amount of flour he chooses to go with each lamb, and he is to offer one gallon of olive oil for each basket of flour.

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 5 meaning

Ezekiel 46:5 outlines specific regulations for grain offerings accompanying the burnt offerings, particularly for the prince's provision in the future temple vision. It details the quantity of the grain offering (an ephah) to be offered with a ram and stipulates that the amount for lambs can be given according to the prince's desire or means. Furthermore, it prescribes a specific quantity of oil (a hin) to be included for each ephah of grain offering. This verse underscores the meticulous nature of future worship, combining precise divine requirements with an element of personal liberality, especially for the designated leader responsible for the people's sacrifices.

Ezekiel 46 5 Context

Ezekiel 46 falls within the final section of the book, chapters 40-48, which detail Ezekiel's vision of a new temple, a reorganized land, and renewed worship. This section describes the meticulous blueprint for the millennial temple, its rituals, and the roles of the priests, Levites, and the prince (or "nasi," an idealized leader). Chapter 46 specifically outlines the laws concerning the temple gates and the burnt and grain offerings required of the prince on the Sabbaths, new moons, and daily services. The immediate preceding verses (46:1-4) describe the eastern gate's closure, its opening on Sabbaths and new moons, and the offerings to be made there, particularly burnt offerings of lambs and rams. Verse 5 elaborates on the grain offerings that are to accompany these burnt sacrifices, highlighting the precise details required for proper worship in this envisioned holy state. Historically, these detailed regulations reflect a concern for perfect adherence to divine law following the failures of Israel's past, particularly the defilement of the former temple and laxity in worship, which led to the Babylonian exile. It projects a future where God's presence is restored among a sanctified people who worship Him exactly as He commands.

Ezekiel 46 5 Word analysis

• And the grain offering: Hebrew wəhamminḥâ (וְהַמִּנְחָה). Minḥâ (מִנְחָה) is a common term for a grain offering, a bloodless sacrifice typically made from flour, oil, and frankincense. It usually accompanied burnt offerings and peace offerings. Here, the definite article "the" indicates it's specifically part of the prescribed temple service.
  • Significance: These offerings often expressed devotion, thanksgiving, or were given as atonement for minor sins. They also supported the priests (Lev 6:14-18). It is an accessory to the foundational blood sacrifice, acknowledging divine provision.
• shall be: An implied verb in the Hebrew, indicating a prescriptive command.
• an ephah: Hebrew ’êp̄â (אֵיפָה). A dry measure, equivalent to roughly 22 liters (or about 1/10 of a homer). It's a precise, standardized measure in Israelite worship, signifying divine order and meticulousness required for sacred duties.
  • Significance: Precision in measures underlines the seriousness of worship and reflects the exactness expected by God in His people's service.
• for the ram: Hebrew la’ayil (לָאַיִל). Refers to the male sheep, the animal designated for the burnt offering in earlier verses of this chapter (e.g., Eze 46:4, 6) for Sabbaths and new moons.
  • Significance: This clearly links the grain offering as a supplement to the animal burnt offering, symbolizing dedication of sustenance alongside life.
• and the grain offering for the lambs: Hebrew ûminḥâ laqqəbāśîm (וּמִנְחָה לַכְּבָשִׂים). Again, minchah (grain offering) paired with lambs (plural, kebasim), suggesting more than one lamb or the general category of lamb offerings mentioned (e.g., daily lamb).
  • Significance: Continues the theme of supplementary offerings, broadening it to multiple animal sacrifices.
• as much as he wants to give: Hebrew ka’ăšer tassîg yāḏô (כַּאֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ). Literally "as his hand can reach/attain/afford." This phrase denotes voluntary giving according to one's means or desire, allowing for generosity beyond a set minimum. In contrast to the fixed "ephah for the ram," it suggests flexibility for the lambs.
  • Significance: This provision introduces a principle of freewill offering and liberality, particularly for the prince, alongside rigid regulations. It highlights that worship, even structured, allows for personal devotion and bounty. This applies to the lambs, potentially to regular, perhaps daily, lamb offerings not tied to the strict, numerically precise festival offerings later in the chapter (Eze 46:7 provides a fixed ephah for each lamb for Sabbaths and new moons, indicating this phrase in verse 5 allows for personal initiative or supplementary gifts for lambs in other contexts, or refers to a general principle for a leader's generosity.)
• and a hin of oil: Hebrew wəḥîn šemen (וְהִין שֶׁמֶן). Ḥîn (הִין) is a liquid measure, approximately 6.14 liters (or about 1/6 of an ephah in terms of capacity equivalence, or 1/12 of a bath). Šemen (שֶמֶן) means oil, typically olive oil, used in various offerings for anointing, light, and sustenance.
  • Significance: The oil represents anointing, consecration, light, and purity. Its specific measurement, like the ephah, emphasizes exactitude in worship components.
• for each ephah: Hebrew lə’êp̄â (לְאֵיפָה). This clarifies the proportion: a hin of oil is required for every ephah of grain offering. This standardization ensures consistency regardless of the total grain amount.
  • Significance: Links the two components (grain and oil) in a fixed ratio, underscoring the integrated and balanced nature of the prescribed offering elements.

Words-group Analysis

• "The grain offering... for the ram... and the grain offering for the lambs": This grouping shows the dual application of grain offerings to both main animal types in the burnt offering category. It underscores the concept of comprehensive and inclusive offerings where different sacrifices work together. The structure is an accompanying offering, making it an integral part of the total act of worship.
• "an ephah for the ram and ... as much as he wants to give for the lambs": This juxtaposition highlights the blend of strict divine command (fixed ephah) and the space for voluntary generosity and personal devotion, particularly for the prince responsible for the offerings. It ensures that while foundational elements are mandated, there's room for exuberance in giving.
• "a hin of oil for each ephah": This phrase establishes a universal standard for the ratio of oil to grain in all contexts where the grain offering involves an ephah of grain. It contributes to the overall order, precision, and harmony of the temple cult described in the vision.

Ezekiel 46 5 Bonus section

• Messianic Foreshadowing: The "prince" (Hebrew: nāśî’) in Ezekiel's vision (chapters 40-48) is a key figure distinct from the priestly lineage. Unlike previous kings, this prince makes no sin offerings for himself, only for the people. His precise and generous giving, as seen in this verse, embodies an ideal leadership, leading some interpreters to see him as a typological figure prefiguring the perfect King, Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills priestly and kingly functions in bringing about a perfect offering and an era of pure worship.
• Holiness and Separateness: The entire framework of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the detailed measurements in this verse, stresses the absolute holiness of God and the need for Israel to maintain separateness and purity in all aspects of worship. This was a critical lesson after the exile, emphasizing that any dilution of these standards leads to defilement and divine withdrawal.
• Significance of the "hin" measure: The hin was a common measure for liquids like oil and wine in sacrificial offerings. Its consistent appearance in these regulations (along with the ephah) reinforces the ancient practice and continuity with previous Mosaic law, albeit adapted for this new, idealized temple context. The specificity of the measures symbolizes God's careful attention to details in our worship and commitment.

Ezekiel 46 5 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:5 serves as a microcosm of the entire temple vision, presenting divine worship as meticulously ordered yet accommodating to personal devotion. The explicit measurements for the grain and oil signify the absolute requirement for precise adherence to God's commands, reflecting the holiness of His dwelling and the seriousness of approaching Him. This counteracts past irreverence and slackness in worship. The specific allowance for the prince to give "as much as he wants" for the lamb offerings, however, injects an element of liberality and personal generosity within this structure. It suggests that while God demands a specific standard, He also values a willing and open heart, particularly from the leader who acts on behalf of the people. The "prince" in this context is often seen as an idealized figure, perhaps a type of the Messiah, setting an example of perfect obedience and bountiful service in worship. The precise detailing of grain and oil offerings emphasizes their vital role as complements to the bloody sacrifices, completing the picture of wholesome devotion—submitting life (blood), sustenance (grain), and the very essence of well-being (oil) to the Lord.