### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼêyphâh**, represented by `{{H374}}`, is a standard of measurement primarily for grain. Of Egyptian derivation, it signifies a specific volume but can also refer to a measure in general. It appears **40 times** across **29 unique verses** in the Bible, establishing its role in commerce, domestic life, and religious law.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{H374}}` is used in several key contexts. It serves as a standard unit for sacrificial offerings, ensuring precision in worship. A "tenth part of an **ephah** of fine flour" is specified for a sin offering [[Leviticus 5:11]] and as a perpetual meat offering for the priests [[Leviticus 6:20]]. It was also a common measure for provisions in daily life, such as when Gideon prepared "an **ephah** of flour" for a meal [[Judges 6:19]], when Ruth gleaned "about an **ephah** of barley" [[Ruth 2:17]], or when Jesse sent David to his brothers with "an **ephah** of this parched corn" [[1 Samuel 17:17]]. The relationship between the **ephah** and other units is also defined, with an omer being a tenth of an **ephah** [[Exodus 16:36]] and the **ephah** itself being a tenth of a homer [[Ezekiel 45:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the system of weights and measures in which the **ephah** functions:
* `{{H1324}}` **bath**: As a measure for liquids, the **bath** is often mentioned alongside the ephah to establish a unified standard for both wet and dry goods. God commands a "just **ephah**, and a just **bath**" [[Ezekiel 45:10]] and specifies they are of one measure [[Ezekiel 45:11]].
* `{{H2563}}` **chômer** (homer): A larger dry measure, with the ephah defined as a tenth part of a **homer** [[Ezekiel 45:11]]. This relationship is used to describe agricultural yields, such as when a **homer** of seed yields only an ephah [[Isaiah 5:10]].
* `{{H6016}}` **ʻômer** (omer): A smaller unit of dry measure, established as the "tenth part of an **ephah**" [[Exodus 16:36]]. This was the specified daily portion of manna for each person in the wilderness.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H374}}` centers on the biblical demand for justice and integrity.
* **A Standard for Justice:** The use of a "just **ephah**" is a command from God, linked to righteousness and living long in the land ([[Deuteronomy 25:15]]; [[Leviticus 19:36]]; [[Ezekiel 45:10]]). Conversely, using "divers measures" or a "scant **measure**" is an abomination to the LORD ([[Proverbs 20:10]]; [[Micah 6:10]]) and a mark of deceitful commerce [[Amos 8:5]].
* **Precision in Worship:** The **ephah** was used to measure prescribed amounts for offerings, such as a sin offering [[Leviticus 5:11]] or a meat offering [[Numbers 28:5]]. This underscores the importance of obedience and giving to God according to His specific instructions.
* **Symbol of Wickedness:** In a vision, the prophet Zechariah sees a woman identified as "Wickedness" being cast into the midst of an **ephah** and sealed with a lead weight [[Zechariah 5:7-8]]. The **ephah**, a tool of commerce, becomes a vessel to contain and remove sin from the land, carried away between heaven and earth [[Zechariah 5:9]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H374}}` is more than just a unit of measure. It is a cornerstone of biblical ethics, representing the standard for fairness in commercial dealings and precision in sacred offerings. Its misuse is condemned as an abomination, while its proper use is tied to justice and divine blessing. Through its literal and symbolic applications, the **ephah** connects everyday life to the profound theological principles of righteousness and integrity before God and man.
TRV