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.
Original Language Analysis
לָאֵיפָֽה׃
an ephah
H374
לָאֵיפָֽה׃
an ephah
Strong's:
H374
Word #:
1 of 13
an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general
לַפָּ֜ר
for a bullock
H6499
לַפָּ֜ר
for a bullock
Strong's:
H6499
Word #:
2 of 13
a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)
לָאֵיפָֽה׃
an ephah
H374
לָאֵיפָֽה׃
an ephah
Strong's:
H374
Word #:
3 of 13
an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general
לָאַ֙יִל֙
for a ram
H352
לָאַ֙יִל֙
for a ram
Strong's:
H352
Word #:
4 of 13
properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And he shall prepare
H6213
יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה
And he shall prepare
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 13
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
מִנְחָ֔ה
a meat offering
H4503
מִנְחָ֔ה
a meat offering
Strong's:
H4503
Word #:
6 of 13
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
8 of 13
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יָד֑וֹ
according as his hand
H3027
יָד֑וֹ
according as his hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
10 of 13
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן
of oil
H8081
וְשֶׁ֖מֶן
of oil
Strong's:
H8081
Word #:
11 of 13
grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness
Historical Context
Grain offerings in Mosaic law (Leviticus 2) symbolized consecration of daily life and labor. The ephah measure appears throughout biblical commerce and worship. Ezekiel's specifications modify Numbers 28-29 regulations, suggesting a renewed covenant framework while maintaining sacrificial symbolism.
Questions for Reflection
- What does 'according as his hand shall attain' teach about God's expectation for our financial stewardship and worship?
- How do grain offerings—products of human labor mixed with oil—typify the Spirit-empowered works believers offer God through Christ?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The Hebrew minchah (מִנְחָה, 'grain offering') accompanies animal sacrifices—fine flour representing the fruit of human labor dedicated to God. An ephah (אֵיפָה, roughly 22 liters) of grain per large animal shows generous provision, while according as his hand shall attain unto (mattat yado, מַתַּת יָדוֹ) allows proportional giving based on means.
The phrase an hin of oil to an ephah specifies oil for mixing with flour—a hin (הִין, about 3.7 liters) enriching each ephah. This mirrors Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 8:12: giving is acceptable 'according to that a man hath.' Grace-filled worship combines prescribed standards with Spirit-enabled generosity.