Ezekiel 46:14

KJV

And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour; a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD.

KJV (with Strong's)

And thou shalt prepare {H6213} a meat offering {H4503} for it every morning {H1242}, the sixth part {H8345} of an ephah {H374}, and the third part {H7992} of an hin {H1969} of oil {H8081}, to temper with {H7450} the fine flour {H5560}; a meat offering {H4503} continually {H8548} by a perpetual {H5769} ordinance {H2708} unto the LORD {H3068}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Also each morning, provide with it a grain offering, one-sixth of a bushel, and one-third of a gallon of olive oil to moisten the fine flour; this is the ongoing grain offering for ADONAI, by a permanent regulation.

Berean Standard Bible

You are also to provide with it every morning a grain offering of a sixth of an ephah with a third of a hin of oil to moisten the fine flour—a grain offering to the LORD. This is a permanent statute.

American Standard Version

And thou shalt prepare a meal-offering with it morning by morning, the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of a hin of oil, to moisten the fine flour; a meal-offering unto Jehovah continually by a perpetual ordinance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:14 meticulously outlines the daily grain offering to be presented "every morning" by the prince in the visionary temple. This offering, consisting of a precise measure of fine flour tempered with oil, is explicitly designated as a "continual" and "perpetual ordinance" unto the LORD. The verse underscores the divine mandate for unwavering consistency, precise adherence, and profound dedication in the worship practices of Ezekiel's eschatological temple, emphasizing an unending commitment to God's prescribed ways.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:14 is embedded within the expansive and highly detailed prophetic vision of a restored temple and its associated cultic practices, which spans chapters 40-48 of the book of Ezekiel. Specifically, this verse is found in the section (chapters 44-46) that delineates the roles of the priests, Levites, and the prince within this ideal sanctuary, following the architectural blueprints (chapters 40-42) and the awe-inspiring return of God's glory (chapter 43). Chapter 46, in particular, focuses on the regulations for the prince's access to the temple and his responsibilities concerning offerings, including the daily burnt offerings and grain offerings. Verse 14, by specifying the daily, perpetual nature of the grain offering, reinforces the overarching theme of unbroken, sanctified worship that is central to this visionary blueprint for a renewed covenant community. The meticulous detail, from the temple's dimensions to the precise measurements of offerings, underscores the divine origin and unyielding standard for worship in this future era.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Ezekiel was composed during the Babylonian exile (c. 593-571 BC), a period of profound national and spiritual desolation for the Israelites. Having lost their temple, their land, and their monarchy, the exiles grappled with questions of God's faithfulness and their future identity. Ezekiel's elaborate temple vision served as a potent message of hope, promising a future return to the land, the rebuilding of a purified temple, and the re-establishment of proper worship. In ancient Israelite culture, sacrifice and offering were foundational to their covenant relationship with God, serving as expressions of atonement, thanksgiving, and communion. The detailed regulations in Ezekiel often echo and expand upon the Mosaic Law (e.g., the grain offering in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering")), emphasizing the critical importance of adherence to divine commands for maintaining purity and fellowship with God. The unique figure of the "prince" in this vision, distinct from the pre-exilic kings, suggests a purified and obedient leadership that would facilitate this ideal worship, free from the corruption that plagued earlier monarchies.
* **Key Themes:** Ezekiel 46:14 significantly contributes to several profound themes woven throughout Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it powerfully articulates the theme of **Perpetual Worship and Unwavering Devotion**. The repeated emphasis on "every morning" and "continually by a perpetual ordinance" highlights the unending, consistent, and unwavering nature of the worship commanded. This reflects an ideal state of unbroken communion and dedication to the Lord, mirroring the daily burnt offering established in the Mosaic Law (cf. [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")). Secondly, the verse underscores **Divine Precision and Order**. The highly specific measurements for the fine flour and oil ("the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin") emphasize God's demand for meticulousness and exactness in carrying out His commands. This illustrates that worship is not to be haphazard but performed with careful adherence to divine instruction, reflecting God's own orderly and holy nature. Finally, the visionary nature of the temple and its rituals points towards an **Anticipation of Future Worship and Restoration**. While interpretations vary, many theological perspectives view this vision as foreshadowing the ultimate spiritual reality of God's presence among His people, culminating in the perfect sacrifice of Christ and the heavenly sanctuary, or the spiritual worship of the church as the new temple (see [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - The Church as God's Dwelling Place")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From H4503, this term refers to a "donation," "tribute," or specifically a "sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)." In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic term for what is more accurately understood as a grain offering or cereal offering. It was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and was distinct from blood sacrifices. This offering symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, or the firstfruits of the harvest, representing a worshiper's sustenance and labor offered to God, acknowledging God as the source of all provision.
* **morning (Hebrew, _bôqer'_):** From H1242, meaning "dawn (as the break of day)" or "morning." The explicit inclusion of "every morning" emphasizes the daily, consistent, and unwavering nature of this particular offering. It highlights the regularity and rhythm of worship prescribed for the ideal temple, signifying a constant dedication to the LORD from the very start of each day, a pattern of renewed commitment.
* **perpetual ordinance (Hebrew, _chuqqâh'_ and _ʻôwlâm'_):** From H2708, _chuqqâh_ denotes "an enactment," "appointment," or "statute," referring to a divinely established rule or custom. From H5769, _ʻôwlâm_ signifies "time out of mind (past or future)," or "eternity," often translated as "eternal," "everlasting," or "perpetual." When combined with "continually" (H8548, _tâmîyd_, meaning "constant" or "continuance"), these terms underscore the unceasing, binding, and divinely mandated nature of this offering. It is not a temporary command but an enduring, foundational aspect of worship in this visionary temple, reflecting God's unchanging nature and His desire for ongoing communion with His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And thou shalt prepare a meat offering for it every morning":** This clause directly addresses the "prince," whose role in the temple rituals is established earlier in Ezekiel 46. The command is to "prepare" (H6213, _ʻâsâh_, to do or make, indicating active participation and responsibility) a "meat offering" (H4503, _minchâh_), which is a grain offering. The phrase "for it" refers to the altar, the designated place of offering. The instruction "every morning" (H1242, _bôqer_) establishes the daily, consistent rhythm of this act of worship, signifying a perpetual dedication and the renewal of commitment at the start of each day.
* **"the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of an hin of oil, to temper with the fine flour":** This highly specific detail provides the exact measurements and components for the grain offering. An "ephah" (H374, _ʼêyphâh_) was a dry measure (approximately 22 liters), making "the sixth part" (H8345, _shishshîy_) about 3.67 liters of "fine flour" (H5560, _çôleth_), signifying the highest quality. A "hin" (H1969, _hîyn_) was a liquid measure (approximately 3.67 liters), meaning "the third part" (H7992, _shᵉlîyshîy_) of a hin of "oil" (H8081, _shemen_) would be about 1.22 liters. The oil was "to temper with" (H7450, _râçaç_, to moisten or mix thoroughly) the fine flour, indicating a careful preparation where the ingredients were fully integrated. These precise quantities emphasize God's demand for accuracy, order, and the offering of the very best in worship.
* **"a meat offering continually by a perpetual ordinance unto the LORD":** This concluding phrase reiterates the nature and purpose of the offering. It is again identified as a "meat offering" (grain offering), and the terms "continually" (H8548, _tâmîyd_) and "perpetual ordinance" (H5769, _ʻôwlâm_ and H2708, _chuqqâh_) underscore its unending, binding, and divinely mandated status. This offering is not optional or temporary but a constant, foundational requirement for the ideal worship. The ultimate recipient and object of this worship is "unto the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_), signifying that all acts of worship are directed to the sovereign, self-existent God alone, for His glory and according to His holy will.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message regarding worship. **Precision** and **Detail** are paramount, evident in the exact measurements of "the sixth part of an ephah" and "the third part of a hin of oil." This meticulousness is not merely descriptive but functions as a literary technique to emphasize the divine origin and sacred nature of the instructions. It communicates God's demand for absolute adherence and order in worship, leaving no room for human improvisation or casualness. **Repetition** is also a key device, with the phrase "a meat offering" appearing twice, reinforcing the central subject of the verse and its importance within the daily ritual. Furthermore, the combination of "continually" and "perpetual ordinance" creates a powerful **Emphasis** on the unending and binding nature of this command. This redundancy highlights the unwavering commitment and devotion required in the visionary temple. Finally, the entire passage functions as **Symbolism**, where the physical act of offering represents the spiritual reality of dedication, obedience, and an unbroken covenant relationship with God. The grain offering itself, a bloodless sacrifice, symbolizes the offering of one's sustenance and labor, a life lived in constant devotion and gratitude.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:14, with its emphasis on a daily, precisely measured, and perpetually ordained grain offering, speaks volumes about God's desire for consistent, ordered, and heartfelt worship. Theologically, it underscores the principle that true devotion is not sporadic but a continuous posture of the heart and life. It reflects God's holiness and His expectation that His people approach Him with reverence and according to His prescribed ways. While the physical temple and its animal sacrifices pointed forward to the ultimate atonement, the grain offering, representing sustenance and the fruits of labor, symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the offering of one's life and resources to God. This perpetual ordinance foreshadows the unending worship of God's people, a spiritual reality that transcends physical rituals and points to an eternal, unbroken communion with the Divine.

* [Leviticus 2:1-3](/leviticus/2-1-3 "Leviticus 2:1-3 - The Law of the Grain Offering")
* [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38-42 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Daily Burnt Offering")
* [Hebrews 10:1-10](/hebrews/10-1-10 "Hebrews 10:1-10 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:14, though describing a specific Old Testament ritual within a visionary temple, offers profound and timeless principles for contemporary Christian living. The command for a "continual" and "perpetual ordinance" of worship challenges us to examine the consistency and depth of our own devotion to God. In a world saturated with distractions and demands, cultivating an "every morning" discipline of seeking God through prayer, diligent Bible study, and reflective meditation is crucial for spiritual vitality and growth. This verse reminds us that our spiritual lives should not be sporadic or relegated solely to weekly church attendance, but rather a constant, ongoing communion with God, permeating every aspect of our existence. Furthermore, the meticulous measurements ("fine flour," "sixth part of an ephah") signify the importance of offering our very best to the Lord, not merely our leftovers or what is convenient. This translates into dedicating our prime time, our purest intentions, our highest abilities, and our unreserved resources to God's service, recognizing that He is supremely worthy of nothing less than our wholehearted devotion. Our worship, whether personal or corporate, should be marked by intentionality, reverence, and a passionate desire to align with God's revealed will, reflecting a sincere heart that truly seeks to honor and glorify Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "every morning" aspect of this offering challenge my current patterns of daily spiritual discipline and my commitment to consistent communion with God?**
* **What does "offering our best" (represented by "fine flour" and precise measurements) look like in my personal worship, my professional endeavors, and my service to God today?**
* **In what practical ways can I cultivate a "continual" and "perpetual ordinance" of worship in my everyday life, extending beyond formal religious practices into all my thoughts, words, and deeds?**

### FAQ
**What is a "meat offering" in this context?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word _minchâh_ (H4503). It does not refer to animal flesh but rather to a **grain offering** or cereal offering. This type of offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, and was distinct from blood sacrifices. It symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, or the firstfruits of the harvest, representing the worshiper's sustenance and labor offered to God, acknowledging His provision and sovereignty. You can learn more about this type of offering in [Leviticus 2:1](/leviticus/2-1 "Leviticus 2:1 - The Law of the Grain Offering").

**Who is "thou" in this verse, and what is the significance of their role?**

Answer: In the context of Ezekiel chapters 40-48, "thou" refers to the **prince** (Hebrew: _nāsîʼ_). This figure is introduced in earlier verses of Ezekiel 46 (e.g., [Ezekiel 46:2](/ezekiel/46-2 "Ezekiel 46:2 - The Prince's Role in Worship")). The prince in Ezekiel's vision is a unique leader, distinct from the pre-exilic kings of Israel, whose authority is strictly defined by God's law. His role is to facilitate and participate in the temple worship, ensuring that the offerings are made correctly and consistently. He is not a priest, but he is responsible for providing the offerings and leading the people in their worship, symbolizing a purified and obedient leadership that would characterize the restored community.

**Is the temple described in Ezekiel 40-48, and thus its rituals like Ezekiel 46:14, meant to be a literal future temple, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The interpretation of Ezekiel's temple vision, including the rituals described, is a subject of ongoing theological debate among scholars. There are primarily three main views:
* Some believe the vision describes a literal temple that will be built in Jerusalem during a future millennial kingdom, where these sacrifices (understood as memorial offerings, not for atonement) will be reinstituted.
* Others view the temple as symbolic of the New Testament church, where believers are the spiritual temple of God ([1 Corinthians 3:16](/1_corinthians/3-16 "1 Corinthians 3:16 - You Are God's Temple")). In this view, the detailed rituals symbolize the spiritual worship, order, and holiness expected of God's people today, fulfilled in Christ.
* A third view sees the vision as a symbolic representation of heavenly realities and the perfect worship that occurs in God's presence, fulfilled ultimately in Christ's perfect sacrifice and His eternal high priesthood in the heavenly sanctuary ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice and the Heavenly Sanctuary")). While the physical sacrifices are no longer needed for atonement due to Christ's finished work, the principles of perpetual worship, divine order, and dedication to God remain eternally relevant.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:14, with its depiction of a "continual" and "perpetual ordinance" of a grain offering, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the daily grain offerings, served as a shadow pointing to the perfect reality to come. While these offerings were temporary and had to be repeated daily and perpetually, Christ's singular sacrifice on the cross was "once for all" ([Hebrews 10:10](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Christ's One Sacrifice")), perfectly atoning for sin and rendering all further blood sacrifices obsolete. Jesus is the ultimate "fine flour" (H5560, _çôleth_), the "Bread of Life" who came down from heaven to give life to the world ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), perfectly pure and unblemished. Furthermore, Christ's work establishes a new covenant where believers, united with Him, become a "perpetual ordinance" of worship. We are called to present our bodies as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")), offering spiritual sacrifices of praise and good deeds through Him ([Hebrews 13:15-16](/hebrews/13-15-16 "Hebrews 13:15-16 - Sacrifices of Praise and Good Deeds")). The "every morning" aspect of the offering is fulfilled in Christ's continuous intercession for us at the right hand of God ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Perpetual Intercession")), and in the Holy Spirit's indwelling, enabling believers to live a life of constant communion and worship. Thus, the meticulous, perpetual worship envisioned by Ezekiel is fully realized in Christ, who not only fulfilled the requirements of the law but also empowered His people to offer a truly spiritual and unending worship unto the LORD.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 28:5

And a tenth [part] of an ephah of flour for a meat offering, mingled with the fourth [part] of an hin of beaten oil.