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.
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.
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.
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.
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