The Hebrew word çᵉʼâh, represented by H5429, is a specific term for a measure. It appears 9 times across 6 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from an unused root meaning to define, it functions as a determinative measure, primarily for grain.
In biblical narratives, H5429 is used as a standard unit for measuring essential provisions. When Abraham shows hospitality to his guests, he instructs Sarah to "Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal" Genesis 18:6. Similarly, Abigail prepares a gift for David that includes "five measures of parched corn" 1 Samuel 25:18. The term is central to Elisha's prophecy during the siege of Samaria, where he foretells that "a measure of fine flour" and "two measures of barley" would soon be sold for a single shekel, a promise that is later fulfilled (2 Kings 7:1, 2 Kings 7:16). It is also used to describe capacity, as when Elijah made a trench around the altar that was "as great as would contain two measures of seed" 1 Kings 18:32.
Several related words help define the context in which this measurement is used:
- H5560 çôleth (fine flour): This is one of the primary commodities measured by the çᵉʼâh, particularly in Elisha's prophecy regarding the market in Samaria 2 Kings 7:1. It is also a key ingredient in offerings Leviticus 2:1.
- H7058 qemach (flour, meal): Abraham instructs Sarah to use three measures of fine meal to make cakes for his visitors Genesis 18:6. This word denotes a basic food staple 1 Kings 17:12.
- H8184 sᵉʻôrâh (barley): This grain is frequently mentioned alongside fine flour as being measured by the çᵉʼâh. Elisha's prophecy specifically includes a price for "two measures of barley" 2 Kings 7:18.
- H2233 zeraʻ (seed): The capacity of the trench Elijah built was described by the amount of seed it could hold, linking the measure to agriculture and worship 1 Kings 18:32. Figuratively, this word can refer to posterity Genesis 3:15.
- H8255 sheqel (shekel): This commercial standard is used to set the value of goods measured by the çᵉʼâh. The miraculous drop in prices in Samaria was pegged to one shekel per measure 2 Kings 7:1.
The significance of H5429 is tied to its narrative function in key moments of divine action and human interaction.
- Divine Provision: The word appears in contexts of God's miraculous provision. Its use in 2 Kings 7 marks the dramatic end of a devastating famine, where God restores abundance to His people (2 Kings 7:1, 2 Kings 7:16).
- Hospitality: The term is used to quantify acts of generous hospitality, such as Abraham's provision for his guests Genesis 18:6 and Abigail's peace-making gift to David's men 1 Samuel 25:18.
- Prophetic Fulfillment: The precise measurement in Elisha's prophecy—"a measure of fine flour for a shekel"—and its exact fulfillment underscore the reliability of God's word (2 Kings 7:16, 2 Kings 7:18).
- Sacred Acts: By quantifying the size of the trench around Elijah's altar, the çᵉʼâh is brought into a context of worship and a pivotal confrontation between the Lord and pagan deities 1 Kings 18:32.
In summary, H5429 çᵉʼâh is more than a simple unit of volume. While it serves a practical purpose for measuring staples like flour and grain, it is embedded in significant biblical events. Its presence in stories of miraculous provision, prophetic fulfillment, and sacred worship demonstrates how even a common measure can carry profound weight, illustrating God's intervention in the daily lives of His people.
TRV