### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **hîyn**, represented by `{{H1969}}`, is a specific **hin** or liquid measure, likely of Egyptian origin. It appears 22 times across 19 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used exclusively to quantify liquids, primarily for ritual and sacrificial purposes as prescribed in the Law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1969}}` is used to specify precise amounts of oil and wine for offerings. These measurements are scaled according to the animal being sacrificed. For example, offerings for a **lamb** `{{H3532}}` required a fourth part of a **hin** of oil and wine [[Exodus 29:40]], while offerings for a **ram** `{{H352}}` required a third part of a **hin** [[Numbers 15:6-7]], and a **bullock** `{{H6499}}` required half a **hin** [[Numbers 15:9-10]]. It is also used in the recipe for the holy anointing oil, which called for an **hin** of **olive** `{{H2132}}` **oil** `{{H8081}}` [[Exodus 30:24]]. Beyond sacrifice, the LORD commands Israel to maintain "a just **hin**," connecting the accuracy of this measure to righteousness and their identity as a people brought out of **Egypt** `{{H4714}}` [[Leviticus 19:36]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function and context of the **hin**:
* `{{H374}}` **'êyphâh** (an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general): Often mentioned alongside the **hin**, the **'êyphâh** was a standard for dry goods. God commands the people to have "a just **ephah**, and a just **hin**," establishing a system of righteous measures [[Leviticus 19:36]].
* `{{H8081}}` **shemen** (grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness): This is one of the primary liquids measured by the **hin**. It was a key component in **meat offerings** `{{H4503}}`, such as the "third part of an **hin** of **oil**" offered with a ram [[Numbers 15:6]].
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication): As the main ingredient for drink offerings, **wine** was consistently measured in hins. Offerings for a lamb included a **drink offering** `{{H5262}}` of "the fourth part of an **hin** of **wine**" [[Exodus 29:40]].
* `{{H5262}}` **neçek** (a libation; also a cast idol; cover, drink offering, molten image): This term defines the purpose for the measured wine. A specific quantity, such as "the fourth part of an **hin**," was poured out as a **drink offering** to **the LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Numbers 28:7]].
### Theological Significance
The practical and theological weight of `{{H1969}}` is seen in its role in worship and ethics.
* **Precision in Worship:** The detailed prescriptions, such as a fourth, third, or half **hin** depending on the sacrifice, underscore that approaching God requires careful obedience to His specific commands, not human estimation [[Numbers 15:4-10]].
* **Standard of Justice:** The command for a "just **hin**" `{{H1969}}` elevates the term from a simple tool to a moral standard. It demonstrates that God's laws for holiness extend to fairness and integrity in all aspects of life, linking righteous worship to just commerce [[Leviticus 19:36]].
* **Component of Atonement:** As a measure for the oil and wine accompanying **burnt offerings** `{{H5930}}` and **meat offerings** `{{H4503}}`, the **hin** quantifies the elements necessary for offerings to be a "sweet **savour**" `{{H5207}}` to **the LORD** `{{H3068}}`, which were integral to the system of atonement and maintaining covenant relationship [[Leviticus 23:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1969}}` **hîyn** is more than a simple unit of liquid measure. It is a cornerstone of the sacrificial system outlined in the Torah, defining the precise amounts of oil and wine required for various offerings. Its use highlights God's demand for meticulous obedience in worship and establishes a divine standard for justice in all measures. The **hin** illustrates how a practical tool can carry profound significance within the biblical framework of covenant, holiness, and righteousness.
TRV