Ezekiel 46 7

Ezekiel 46:7 kjv

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.

Ezekiel 46:7 nkjv

He shall prepare a grain offering of 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 46:7 niv

He is to provide as a grain offering one ephah with the bull, one ephah with the ram, and with the lambs as much as he wants to give, along with a hin of oil for each ephah.

Ezekiel 46:7 esv

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

Ezekiel 46:7 nlt

With the young bull he must bring a basket of choice flour for a grain offering. With the ram he must bring another basket of flour. And with each lamb he is to bring whatever amount of flour he chooses to give. With each basket of flour he must offer one gallon of olive oil.

Ezekiel 46 verses

Ezekiel 46 7 meaning

Ezekiel 46:7 outlines the specific measurements for the grain offering that accompanies the burnt offerings during the special Sabbaths and New Moon celebrations within the visionary temple. It specifies that one ephah of grain is to be offered with each ram, and a proportional amount, according to the ability of the offerer, is to be given with the lambs. This offering is to include one hin of oil for every ephah of grain. This verse highlights the precise and abundant nature of worship mandated for the future.

Ezekiel 46 7 Context

Ezekiel 46:7 is situated within chapters 40-48, a significant portion of Ezekiel's prophecy dedicated to a detailed vision of a new temple, a reorganized priesthood, and regulations for worship in the millennial age. This particular verse comes after instructions for the prince and the daily and weekly offerings, focusing on the Sabbaths and New Moon festivals. The broader context of Ezekiel's prophecy is the post-exilic hope for restoration and the establishment of a purified, ideal form of worship for God's presence to dwell among His people permanently. Historically, the elaborate details for offerings counter the laxity and defilement of worship that led to Israel's exile, emphasizing meticulous adherence to divine commands for a pure relationship with God. The instructions set boundaries for the quantity and quality of what is given to the Lord.

Ezekiel 46 7 Word analysis

• And the grain offering (וְהַמִּנְחָה, wəhammaṭāch):

  • וְהַ (wəha): Conjunction "and" connecting to previous regulations, highlighting continuation of established ritual.
  • מִּנְחָה (minḥâ): This term broadly refers to an offering or tribute. In the Levitical system, it specifically denotes a bloodless "grain offering" or "meal offering," typically consisting of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It signifies devotion, gratitude, and dedication, complementary to the animal sacrifices.

• shall be an ephah (אֵיפָה, 'ephah):

  • אֵיפָה ('ephah): A dry measure of capacity, a standard ancient unit, approximately 22 liters or about 3/5 of a bushel. Its precise specification here emphasizes exactitude in God's service, correcting past carelessness. This standard measurement contrasts with the variable amount for the lambs, showing distinction in requirement.

• for the ram (לָאַיִל, lā'ayil):

  • לָאַיִל (lā'ayil): "For the ram." A ram (ayil) is a male sheep, a significant animal for burnt offerings (Lev 1:10), sin offerings, and guilt offerings in the Mosaic law. Its use here reinforces continuity with established sacrificial practices but within a renewed framework.

• and for the lambs (וְלַכְּבָשִׂים, wəlakəvâsîm):

  • וְלַכְּבָשִׂים (wəlakəvâsîm): "And for the lambs." Kevasîm are young male sheep, also common sacrificial animals, often associated with burnt offerings. The plural indicates multiple lambs, implying this is a standard requirement for all of them, but with a nuanced flexibility regarding the accompanying grain.

• as he is able to give (כַּאֲשֶׁר תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ, ka'asher tassig yado):

  • Literally "as his hand reaches" or "as his hand attains." This phrase indicates a proportional offering, according to the means or capability of the individual offerer or the prince. It reflects a divine principle found elsewhere (e.g., Lev 5:7, 11) where God accounts for varying financial ability, ensuring participation is possible for all. For the prince, it would suggest a fitting generosity without explicit quantification.

• and a hin of oil (וְשֶׁמֶן הִין, wəshemen hîn):

  • שֶׁמֶן (shemen): "Oil," specifically olive oil, which was integral to many grain offerings, anointing, and lamps. It symbolized consecration, joy, sustenance, and in a spiritual sense, often represents the Holy Spirit's anointing.
  • הִין (hîn): A liquid measure, roughly 3.6-6 liters, or about 1 gallon. Its presence indicates that oil, a rich and precious commodity, is an essential component, further underscoring the completeness and richness of the required worship.

• to an ephah (לָאֵיפָה, lā'ephah):

  • לָאֵיפָה (lā'ephah): "To an ephah." This clarifies the ratio: one hin of oil for every ephah of grain, linking the two key measurements and ensuring the proper preparation of the offering.

Ezekiel 46 7 Bonus section

The mention of the "prince" (Nasi) throughout Ezekiel 40-48 is significant. He is not referred to as a "king," which differentiates this future ruler from the pre-exilic Davidic monarchy that had failed in its spiritual leadership. His primary role in these chapters is religious, as a facilitator and provider for the temple worship, emphasizing piety and support for the sacrificial system. This structure could suggest a priestly-focused leadership for the ideal community, or reflect a Messianic figure who serves rather than merely reigns. The specific measurements of the grain offering and oil here are not just quantitative but qualitative; they reflect the desire for generous and appropriate offerings, acknowledging the sanctity of God and His dwelling place among His people. The inclusion of oil, a symbol of blessing and the Spirit, indicates that this future worship is meant to be rich, consecrated, and Spirit-empowered.

Ezekiel 46 7 Commentary

Ezekiel 46:7 meticulously prescribes the precise measurements for the grain and oil components of the communal offerings for rams and lambs during special festival days. This attention to detail signifies the elevated importance of exactitude and purity in the eschatological worship vision, countering previous historical instances of irreverence and carelessness in handling sacred things. The specific quantities (ephah and hin) harken back to the Pentateuchal laws, affirming the timeless nature of God's requirements while adapting them to the ideal temple setting. The allowance for "as he is able to give" concerning the lambs, even in this meticulous vision, subtly introduces an element of proportionality and grace within the context of divine expectation. This emphasis on rich, ordered, and proportionate offerings highlights a future worship characterized by sincere devotion and a reverent adherence to God's divine will, pointing ultimately to the perfected worship and provision found in Christ.