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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he shall prepare {H6213} a meat offering {H4503}, an ephah {H374} for a bullock {H6499}, and an ephah {H374} for a ram {H352}, and for the lambs {H3532} according as his hand {H3027} shall attain {H5381} unto, and an hin {H1969} of oil {H8081} to an ephah {H374}.

Complete Jewish Bible

He is to prepare a grain offering consisting of a bushel for the bull, a bushel for the ram, and for the lambs as his means allow; with a gallon of olive oil per bushel.

Berean Standard Bible

He is to provide a grain offering of an ephah with the bull, an ephah with the ram, and as much as he is able with the lambs, along with a hin of oil per ephah.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ezekiel 46:7 meticulously outlines the specific grain and oil offerings required to accompany animal sacrifices within the visionary temple, mandating an ephah of grain for a bullock and a ram, a flexible quantity for lambs "according as his hand shall attain unto," and a hin of oil for every ephah of grain. This precise divine blueprint for future worship underscores God's demand for intentionality, generosity, and Spirit-led adherence to His revealed will in all acts of devotion.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Ezekiel 46:7 is situated within the grand temple vision of [Ezekiel 40-48](/ezekiel/40 "Ezekiel 40-48 - The Vision of the New Temple and Land"), a detailed prophetic blueprint for a future, ideal temple and its worship. This extensive section, distinct from the tabernacle and Solomon's Temple, describes the physical structure, the roles of the prince and priests, and the sacrificial rituals. Specifically, [Ezekiel 46](/ezekiel/46 "Ezekiel 46 - Ordinances for the Prince and Offerings") focuses on the prince's responsibilities concerning offerings and the regulations for the temple gates during sacred times like the Sabbath and New Moon festivals. Verse 7, therefore, provides the precise measurements for the grain and oil offerings that are to accompany the animal sacrifices specified elsewhere in the chapter, demonstrating the comprehensive and meticulous nature of God's design for renewed worship.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Ezekiel delivered this vision to the Jewish exiles in Babylon (circa 593-571 BC). This was a period of profound national trauma, marked by the destruction of Jerusalem and the First Temple, which had been the spiritual and national epicenter of Israelite life. In this context of despair and displacement, Ezekiel's vision offered a powerful message of hope, divine faithfulness, and future restoration, promising a time when God's presence would return to a purified people and a new temple. The sacrificial system, including grain and oil offerings, was deeply ingrained in ancient Israelite worship, as established in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering")). These offerings were not merely ritualistic acts but served as vital expressions of devotion, thanksgiving, atonement, and covenant loyalty, reflecting the agricultural basis of their society and their understanding of God as the ultimate provider.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes in Ezekiel's prophecy. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Order and Precision**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for the manner in which His people worship Him, down to the exact measurements of offerings. This echoes the detailed instructions given for the tabernacle and the first temple, emphasizing that true worship is not arbitrary but must align with divine command. Secondly, the emphasis on specific offerings points to **Holiness and Purity**, reinforcing the sanctity of God's presence and the necessity of approaching Him with reverence and according to prescribed means. The entire temple vision, including these regulations, serves as a blueprint for **Future Worship and Restoration**, offering a tangible hope for a renewed relationship with God and a restored community. Finally, the phrase "according as his hand shall attain unto" for the lambs suggests a principle of **Proportional Giving and Abundance**, where the offering is generous and commensurate with the worshiper's capacity and the abundance of God's provision, a principle also seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 16:17](/deuteronomy/16-17 "Deuteronomy 16:17 - Giving According to Blessing").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Meat Offering (Hebrew, _minchâh'_):** H4503, 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. In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of `minchâh`, which universally refers to a grain or cereal offering. This offering was typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. As a non-bloody sacrifice, it often accompanied burnt offerings, signifying dedication, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's provision.
* **Ephah (Hebrew, _ʼêyphâh'_):** H374, of Egyptian derivation; an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general; ephah, (divers) measure(-s). The `ephah` was a standard dry measure in ancient Israel, roughly equivalent to 3/5 of a bushel or about 22 liters. Its specific mention here underscores the precise and standardized nature of the required offerings, leaving no room for arbitrary amounts in the worship of God.
* **Attain (Hebrew, _nâsag'_):** H5381, a primitive root; to reach (literally or figuratively); ability, be able, attain (unto), (be able to, can) get, lay at, put, reach, remove, wax rich, [idiom] surely, (over-) take (hold of, on, upon). The phrase "as his hand shall attain unto" (with `yâd`, H3027, for "hand") indicates a flexible or proportional requirement for the lambs. This suggests a quantity of grain that the prince is able to provide, reflecting either a minimum standard or a contribution based on his capacity and resources.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he shall prepare a meat offering,"**: This opening clause identifies the subject, the prince (implied from the surrounding context of [Ezekiel 46](/ezekiel/46 "Ezekiel 46 - Ordinances for the Prince and Offerings")), and the specific type of offering: the `minchâh`, or grain offering. The verb "prepare" (`ʻâsâh`, H6213) encompasses both the physical act of making ready and the broader sense of performing or executing the ritual according to divine instruction.
* **"an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram,"**: This specifies the precise, fixed quantity of grain required for two significant animal sacrifices. A full `ephah` (approximately 22 liters) is mandated for both a bullock (`par`, H6499) and a ram (`ʼayil`, H352), indicating a substantial and non-negotiable requirement for these major offerings.
* **"and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto,"**: This clause introduces a degree of flexibility for the offering accompanying the lambs (`kebes`, H3532). Unlike the fixed `ephah` for the bullock and ram, the quantity for the lambs is not rigidly prescribed but is to be determined by what the prince's "hand shall attain unto" (`nâsag` H5381, `yâd` H3027). This implies a proportional offering, allowing for a quantity that aligns with the prince's resources or the specific number of lambs being offered, balancing divine command with practical capacity.
* **"and an hin of oil to an ephah."**: This final clause specifies the liquid accompaniment to the grain offering. A `hin` (H1969), a liquid measure roughly equivalent to 6 liters, is required for every `ephah` of grain. This highlights the complete and balanced nature of the offering, where grain and oil are combined in precise ratios, a common and essential practice in Old Testament sacrificial rituals, signifying richness and dedication.

#### Literary Devices
Ezekiel 46:7 employs several literary devices to convey its message with clarity and emphasis. The most prominent is **Precision**, evident in the meticulous enumeration of dry and liquid measures (ephah, hin) and the specific animals (bullock, ram, lambs). This exacting detail serves to underscore the divine demand for order, intentionality, and reverence in worship, leaving no room for ambiguity or casualness in approaching God. There is also an element of **Repetition** with the phrase "an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram," which reinforces the fixed and unvarying nature of these particular offerings. Furthermore, the verse utilizes **Synecdoche** in the phrase "as his hand shall attain unto," where "hand" (`yâd`) represents the prince's overall capacity, ability, or available resources. This allows for a nuanced approach to the offering for the lambs, balancing strict divine command with practical considerations of the worshiper's means.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ezekiel 46:7, with its intricate details of grain and oil offerings, underscores a profound theological principle: God desires worship that is both precise in its adherence to divine instruction and generous in its spirit. The meticulous measurements reflect God's absolute holiness and His expectation that those who approach Him do so with deep reverence and intentionality, never haphazardly. This vision of future temple worship, while interpreted literally by some, also serves as a powerful symbol of a renewed covenant relationship where God's people serve Him with wholehearted devotion and according to His perfect will. The inclusion of the "meat offering" (grain offering) alongside animal sacrifices highlights the comprehensive nature of ancient worship, where both the shedding of blood for atonement and the offering of the fruits of the ground for thanksgiving and dedication were essential. This balance points to a holistic approach to devotion, encompassing both propitiation and praise, acknowledging God as the source of all provision and the recipient of all worship.

* [Leviticus 2:1-16](/leviticus/2-1-16 "Leviticus 2:1-16 - The Law of the Grain Offering") - Provides the foundational laws and various forms for the grain offering (`minchâh`), offering essential context for understanding its significance in Ezekiel's vision.
* [Numbers 15:4-10](/numbers/15-4-10 "Numbers 15:4-10 - Offerings Accompanying Sacrifices") - Prescribes the specific quantities of grain and oil to accompany burnt offerings and sacrifices of different animals, illustrating a consistent pattern of proportional offerings throughout Israelite worship.
* [Malachi 3:8-10](/malachi/3-8-10 "Malachi 3:8-10 - Robbing God in Tithes and Offerings") - Although focused on tithes, this passage emphasizes the importance of bringing the full and proper offerings to God, reinforcing the principle of precision and generosity seen in Ezekiel's temple regulations.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While the literal temple sacrifices described in Ezekiel are not practiced by Christians today, the enduring spiritual principles embedded in Ezekiel 46:7 remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the intentionality and generosity of our worship in all its forms. God desires our "best," not merely our leftovers or what is convenient. Just as specific measurements were required for ancient offerings, so too are we called to offer our lives—our time, talents, resources, and affections—with purpose and dedication. Our worship should not be haphazard but thoughtful, reflecting a deep reverence for God's holiness and a grateful response to His abundant provision. The flexibility for the lambs, "as his hand shall attain unto," reminds us that while God desires our best, He also understands our capacity, calling us to give proportionally and faithfully from what He has graciously entrusted to us. Ultimately, this verse calls us to a life of consecrated living, where every aspect of our being is offered to God as a spiritual sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him, reflecting His own meticulous and generous love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to offer God "leftovers" instead of my "best," as exemplified by the precise offerings in Ezekiel 46:7?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of intentionality and precision in my personal and corporate worship, moving beyond mere routine to genuine reverence and purpose?**
* **Considering the principle of "as his hand shall attain unto," how does my current giving (of time, talent, and treasure) reflect my capacity and gratitude to God for His abundant blessings?**

### FAQ
**What does "meat offering" mean in Ezekiel 46:7, and why is it important to understand?**

Answer: In the King James Version, "meat offering" is an archaic translation of the Hebrew word `minchâh` (H4503), which actually refers to a grain or cereal offering, not animal flesh. This is crucial to understand because it clarifies that the verse is not describing a bloody sacrifice but a non-bloody offering, typically made of fine flour, often mixed with oil and frankincense. Grain offerings were foundational in Old Testament worship, symbolizing dedication, thanksgiving, and the acknowledgment of God's provision from the land (see [Leviticus 2](/leviticus/2 "Leviticus 2 - The Law of the Grain Offering")). Understanding this prevents misinterpretation and highlights the comprehensive nature of the offerings in Ezekiel's vision, where both blood and bloodless sacrifices played distinct roles.

**Why are such detailed measurements (ephah, hin) given for the offerings?**

Answer: The meticulous details regarding quantities like the `ephah` (H374, a dry measure) and `hin` (H1969, a liquid measure) in Ezekiel 46:7 underscore God's demand for order, specificity, and intentionality in worship. These precise measurements reflect the divine desire for worship that is not haphazard or arbitrary but reverent, standardized, and according to His revealed will. It emphasizes the sanctity of God's presence and the necessity of purity and exactness for those who approach Him. This level of detail also points to the comprehensive nature of God's plan for future worship, leaving no aspect to human discretion when divine instructions are given, thereby ensuring proper reverence and obedience.

**How is Ezekiel 46:7 relevant to Christians today, given that we do not offer physical sacrifices?**

Answer: While Christians no longer offer physical sacrifices due to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ (as discussed in [Hebrews 10:10-14](/hebrews/10-10-14 "Hebrews 10:10-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")), the principles embedded in Ezekiel 46:7 remain highly relevant. The verse teaches us about the **intentionality, generosity, and reverence** God desires in our worship. Our "offerings" today are spiritual: our lives as living sacrifices ([Romans 12:1](/romans/12-1 "Romans 12:1 - A Living Sacrifice")), our praise and thanksgiving ([Hebrews 13:15](/hebrews/13-15 "Hebrews 13:15 - Sacrifice of Praise")), our service, and our financial resources. The precision of the ancient offerings reminds us to give our best, thoughtfully and generously, from what God has entrusted to us, rather than offering Him what is leftover or convenient. It calls us to a life of wholehearted devotion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ezekiel 46:7, with its meticulous regulations for grain and oil offerings accompanying animal sacrifices, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "meat offering" (grain offering) itself points to an offering of sustenance and life, often representing dedication and thanksgiving. While all Old Testament sacrifices, including grain offerings, were types and shadows, they ultimately pointed to the perfect sacrifice of Christ. He is not merely the Lamb offered for sin (as seen in [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), but also the "bread of life" ([John 6:35](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life")), the complete spiritual sustenance for His people. The precise measurements in Ezekiel foreshadow the perfect, once-for-all nature of Christ's offering, which was not "according as his hand shall attain unto" in a limited sense, but was a full, complete, and unblemished surrender, perfectly fulfilling all of God's righteous demands ([Hebrews 9:12](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Eternal Redemption")). The oil, often symbolic of the Holy Spirit, further connects to Christ, who was anointed with the Spirit without measure ([John 3:34](/john/3-34 "John 3:34 - The Spirit Without Measure")) for His priestly and kingly work. Thus, in Christ, we see the perfect "offering" that fully satisfies God's holiness, provides eternal access to His presence, and transforms our worship from ritualistic adherence to a Spirit-empowered response to His finished work.

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 46:5

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.