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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the meat offering {H4503} shall be an ephah {H374} for a ram {H352}, and the meat offering {H4503} for the lambs {H3532} as he shall be able {H3027} to give {H4991}, and an hin {H1969} of oil {H8081} to an ephah {H374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The grain offering is to be a bushel for the ram, while for the lambs it can be as much as he wants to give; with a gallon of olive oil per eifah.

Berean Standard Bible

The grain offering with the ram shall be one ephah, and the grain offering with the lambs shall be as much as he is able, along with a hin of oil per ephah.

American Standard Version

and the meal-offering shall be an ephah for the ram, and the meal-offering for the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:5 meticulously outlines the regulations for grain offerings within the visionary temple, a crucial component of the worship prescribed by God. This verse specifies a fixed measure of an ephah of grain offering for a ram, while for lambs, the quantity of the grain offering is graciously flexible, dependent on the worshiper's capacity to give. Furthermore, it mandates a hin of oil to accompany each ephah of grain offering, thereby underscoring the divine demand for precise order, quality, and reverent detail in the worship of the future or ideal temple.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:5 is an integral part of the extensive temple vision that spans [Ezekiel 40](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40 - The Temple Vision Begins") through [Ezekiel 48](/ezekiel/48 "Ezekiel 48 - The New Temple and Land"). This grand prophetic vision, received by Ezekiel during the Babylonian exile, provides a detailed blueprint for a future temple, its intricate worship protocols, and the reordering of the land of Israel. Chapter 46 specifically details the ordinances governing the prince and the people concerning their offerings and access to the temple on various appointed days, including Sabbaths and New Moons. The meticulous measurements and procedures outlined in this chapter, such as those for the grain and oil offerings, serve to emphasize the profound sacredness and precise order demanded for divine worship in this ideal eschatological setting, highlighting God's absolute holiness and His desire for proper communion with His people.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The vision granted to Ezekiel emerged during a period of profound national trauma for Israel, as they endured their exile in Babylon. The devastating destruction of the first temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in [586 BC](/2_kings/25 "2 Kings 25 - Destruction of Jerusalem and Exile") had left the people without a central place of worship and a tangible sense of God's immediate presence. In this desperate context, Ezekiel's temple vision served as a potent message of hope, divine restoration, and the promise of God's future dwelling among His people. The sacrificial system, encompassing both blood offerings and bloodless "meat offerings" (grain offerings) along with oil, was a foundational element of ancient Israelite worship, symbolizing dedication, thanksgiving, and the covenant relationship with God. The use of specific measurements like the "ephah" (a dry measure, approximately 22 liters or 1/10 of a homer) and the "hin" (a liquid measure, approximately 6 liters or 1/6 of a bath) reflects the highly regulated and ritualistic nature of temple service, where every minute detail was prescribed to ensure purity, reverence, and proper approach before a holy God.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within Ezekiel's prophecy and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Order and Holiness**, underscoring God's demand for meticulousness and precision in worship, which reflects His absolute holiness and the gravity of approaching Him. Every detail, down to the specific quantities of offerings, is divinely ordained, leaving no room for human improvisation where God's presence is concerned. Secondly, the passage highlights the theme of **Proportionality and Grace in Giving**. While a fixed measure is set for the ram's offering, the allowance for lambs to be offered "as he shall be able to give" introduces a crucial principle of giving according to one's capacity. This beautifully balances divine standards with an understanding of individual means, a principle echoed in later biblical teachings such as [2 Corinthians 8:12](/2_corinthians/8-12 "2 Corinthians 8:12 - Giving According to Ability"). Thirdly, the offerings themselves, particularly the "meat offering" (grain offering) and oil, symbolize **Dedication and Sustenance**. These bloodless offerings typically represented the fruits of the land and human labor, offered in thanksgiving and as an act of consecration, acknowledging God as the ultimate provider and sustainer of life, as seen in passages like the regulations for the grain offering in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **meat offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** From an unused root meaning to apportion, i.e., bestow; a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary); gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice (H4503). In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic term for a "grain offering" or "meal offering." This type of offering was bloodless, typically consisting of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. It was distinct from animal sacrifices and symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's provision and sovereignty over the produce of the land.
* **able (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** A primitive word; in distinction from כַּף (the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great variety of applications, both literally and figuratively, both proximate and remote; a hand (the open one (indicating power, means, direction, etc.),; ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force... (H3027). This word, often translated as "hand," here implies power, means, or capacity. Thus, "as he shall be able to give" signifies giving according to one's financial or material capability, reflecting a principle of gracious flexibility within the divine law that accommodates individual circumstances while still requiring a genuine offering.
* **oil (Hebrew, _shemen'_):** From שָׁמַן (shaman); grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness; anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine (H8081). Oil was a vital commodity in ancient Israel, used for food, light, anointing, and various religious rituals. In the context of offerings, its inclusion symbolized richness, blessing, consecration, and often the presence or influence of the Holy Spirit. Its mandatory inclusion underscores the completeness and quality expected in worship, signifying that the offering was to be wholesome and of value.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the meat offering [shall be] an ephah for a ram":** This clause establishes a fixed, non-negotiable quantity for the grain offering that must accompany the sacrifice of a ram. An "ephah" was a significant dry measure, indicating a substantial offering that reflects the inherent value and importance of the ram sacrifice within the sacrificial system. This precision underscores the divine demand for order, adherence to prescribed standards, and the seriousness with which worship was to be approached in the visionary temple. It signifies that certain aspects of worship are not subject to human discretion.
* **"and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give":** In stark contrast to the fixed measure for the ram, this clause introduces a remarkable degree of flexibility for the grain offering accompanying lambs. The phrase "as he shall be able to give" (literally, "according to the ability of his hand") indicates that the quantity for lambs is proportionate to the worshiper's personal means or financial capacity. This demonstrates God's gracious consideration of individual circumstances, allowing for sincere and acceptable worship even from those with limited resources, ensuring that the act of worship is accessible and equitable for all.
* **"and an hin of oil to an ephah":** This final clause specifies the precise quantity of oil required for each ephah of grain offering. A "hin" was a standard liquid measure, and its precise ratio to the ephah of grain further highlights the meticulous detail and exactitude of the temple regulations. Oil was an essential component of grain offerings, symbolizing richness, blessing, and consecration, ensuring that the offering was complete, of high quality, and properly prepared according to divine standards.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:5 skillfully employs several literary techniques to convey its profound message regarding worship. The most prominent is **Precision and Detail**, evidenced by the exact measurements specified (ephah, hin) and the specific animal categories (ram, lambs). This meticulousness not only reflects the divine origin of the instructions but also powerfully underscores the absolute **Order** and **Holiness** required in approaching God. The text also utilizes **Contrast** by setting a fixed offering for the ram against a flexible offering for the lambs ("as he shall be able to give"). This contrast highlights both God's unchanging standards for worship and His compassionate understanding of human capacity and varying circumstances. Furthermore, the verse is embedded within a larger **Prophetic Vision**, which uses detailed, symbolic imagery of a future temple to convey deep theological truths about God's enduring presence, the nature of true worship, and the promised restoration of His people, rather than merely serving as a literal architectural blueprint. The offerings themselves carry rich **Symbolism**, representing dedication, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God as the ultimate provider and sustainer.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:5, with its precise regulations for offerings, deeply connects to the broader biblical themes of divine order, the nature of acceptable worship, and God's understanding of human capacity. The meticulous details underscore that God is holy and demands reverence and exactness in how His people approach Him, emphasizing that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to divine standards. This is not merely about ritualistic adherence but about a heart's attitude, expressed through obedient and intentional adherence to divine instruction. The flexibility for offerings from lambs, allowing for giving "as he shall be able," reveals God's compassionate nature, ensuring that worship is accessible and meaningful for all, regardless of their material wealth. This principle of proportional giving is a recurring theme throughout scripture, emphasizing sincerity and willingness over mere quantity, thereby valuing the heart of the worshiper.

* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2-1-16 "Leviticus 2:1-16 - Regulations for the Grain Offering")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7](/2_corinthians/9-7 "2 Corinthians 9:7 - Cheerful Giving According to Ability")
* [Malachi 1:8](/malachi/1-8 "Malachi 1:8 - Offering the Lame and Sick to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Ezekiel 46:5, though situated within the specific context of a visionary temple, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers concerning our approach to God. The emphasis on precise measurements and the quality of offerings reminds us that our worship and service to God should be intentional, thoughtful, and offered with excellence. God values not just the act of giving, but the heart and care with which it is given. We are called to offer our "best" – our time, talents, resources, and indeed our very lives – as a spiritual sacrifice that is pleasing and acceptable to Him. Moreover, the flexibility for the lamb's offering, "as he shall be able to give," provides profound encouragement and liberation. It assures us that God understands our varying capacities and circumstances, and that our offering, whether great or small in human eyes, is acceptable when it is given sincerely and proportionally from what we possess, reflecting a heart genuinely devoted to Him. This truth frees us from the burden of comparison and fosters a spirit of generous stewardship rooted in our unique ability and God's boundless grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (time, talent, treasure) am I called to offer my "best" to God, and how can I do so with greater intentionality and excellence?**
* **How does the principle of giving "as he shall be able" encourage me in my own stewardship and generosity, especially when I feel my resources are limited, and how can I apply it without comparison?**
* **What does the meticulous detail in Ezekiel's temple vision teach me about the holiness of God and the seriousness with which we should approach all aspects of worship and service?**

### FAQ

**What is a "meat offering" in Ezekiel 46:5?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" (Hebrew: _minchâh'_, H4503) is an archaic translation that can be misleading to modern readers. It does not refer to animal flesh but rather to a **grain offering** or **meal offering**. This was a bloodless offering typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense, which either accompanied animal sacrifices or was offered independently. It symbolized dedication, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's provision from the produce of the land. You can find more details about the regulations for grain offerings in [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Grain Offering").

**Why are the measurements for the offerings so specific (ephah, hin)?**

Answer: The specific measurements like the "ephah" (a dry measure) and "hin" (a liquid measure) highlight the **meticulous order and precision** God demands in worship. In ancient Israelite culture, every aspect of temple service was highly regulated to ensure purity, reverence, and adherence to divine instruction. This precision underscores God's absolute holiness and the seriousness of approaching Him. It also emphasizes that worship is not arbitrary but must conform to divine standards, reflecting the perfection of God Himself. This theme of precise instruction and divine blueprint is seen throughout the Old Testament, for example, in the detailed instructions for the building of the tabernacle in [Exodus 25](/exodus/25 "Exodus 25 - Instructions for the Tabernacle").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:5, with its detailed regulations for grain and oil offerings, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament sacrificial system, including bloodless grain offerings, pointed to the need for human dedication and God's provision, it was inherently incomplete and served as a shadow of greater realities to come. The precision demanded in these offerings foreshadowed the perfect, unblemished offering that would ultimately reconcile humanity to God. Jesus Christ is the **perfect sacrifice** (as seen in [Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")), fulfilling every type of offering. He is not only the spotless [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") through His atoning blood, but also the ultimate "grain offering" in that His entire life was perfectly dedicated to God, a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" ([Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")). The oil, symbolizing the Holy Spirit and anointing, points to Christ as the Anointed One, through whom the Spirit is poured out on believers, empowering them for new life and service ([Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit")). Thus, the meticulousness and order of Ezekiel's vision are fulfilled in the flawless perfection of Christ's finished work on the cross, and the Old Testament principle of giving "as he shall be able" is transformed into our New Covenant spiritual worship—offering our lives as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - Living Sacrifices")) in response to His ultimate, all-sufficient offering.

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

Ezekiel 45:24

And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah.

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.

Deuteronomy 16:17

Every man [shall give] as he is able, according to the blessing of the LORD thy God which he hath given thee.

Numbers 28:12

And three tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one bullock; and two tenth deals of flour [for] a meat offering, mingled with oil, for one ram;

Numbers 6:21

This [is] the law of the Nazarite who hath vowed, [and of] his offering unto the LORD for his separation, beside [that] that his hand shall get: according to the vow which he vowed, so he must do after the law of his separation.

Ezekiel 46:11

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 46:12

Now when the prince shall prepare a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily unto the LORD, [one] shall then open him the gate that looketh toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, as he did on the sabbath day: then he shall go forth; and after his going forth [one] shall shut the gate.