### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻissârôwn**, represented by `{{H6241}}`, is a fractional term meaning a **tenth part** or **tenth deal**. It is derived from the word for ten, `ʻâsâr` `{{H6240}}`. Occurring **28 times** across **22 unique verses**, its use is almost exclusively found in the context of prescribed measurements for sacrificial offerings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H6241}}` is the standard measure for **fine flour** (`çôleth`, `{{H5560}}`) used in a **meat offering** (`minchâh`, `{{H4503}}`). These offerings were meticulously detailed, with the amount of **ʻissârôwn** directly corresponding to the animal being sacrificed. For a **lamb** (`kebes`, `{{H3532}}`), one **tenth deal** of flour was required [[Numbers 28:13]]. For a **ram** (`ʼayil`, `{{H352}}`), the amount increased to two **tenth deals** [[Numbers 15:6]]. For a **bullock** (`par`, `{{H6499}}`), three **tenth deals** were prescribed [[Numbers 15:9]]. This measurement was also central to special offerings, such as the **wave** (`tᵉnûwphâh`, `{{H8573}}`) loaves presented as **firstfruits** (`bikkûwr`, `{{H1061}}`), which were each made with two **tenth deals** of flour [[Leviticus 23:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and function of the `{{H6241}}`:
* `{{H5560}}` **çôleth** (fine flour): The specific substance measured by the **ʻissârôwn**. This was not coarse meal, but high-quality flour, suitable for offerings to the LORD [[Leviticus 2:1]] and even described as food fit for a kingdom [[Ezekiel 16:13]].
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (meat offering): The primary sacrificial occasion for using the **ʻissârôwn**. This was typically a bloodless, voluntary oblation or gift to God, often accompanying burnt offerings [[Numbers 15:4]].
* `{{H1969}}` **hîyn** (hin): A liquid measure often mentioned alongside the **ʻissârôwn**. While the **ʻissârôwn** measured the dry flour, the **hin** measured the accompanying oil (`shemen`, `{{H8081}}`) and **wine** (`yayin`, `{{H3196}}`) for the drink offering (`neçek`, `{{H5262}}`) [[Exodus 29:40]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6241}}` is tied to the precise nature of worship under the Law.
* **Divine Ordinance and Obedience:** The specific, tiered measurements—one, two, or three **tenth deals** based on the animal—demonstrate that approaching God required strict adherence to His commands. Worship was not based on human sentiment but on divine instruction [[Numbers 28:20-21]].
* **Proportional Giving:** The scaling measure of flour reflects a principle of proportional offering. The grain offering (`minchâh`, `{{H4503}}`) was to be appropriate for the primary sacrifice, linking the value of the herd to the fruit of the field [[Numbers 28:12]].
* **Atonement for All:** The **ʻissârôwn** was part of the system of atonement (`kâphar`, `{{H3722}}`). Even a person who was **poor** (`dal`, `{{H1800}}`) and could only afford one lamb for a trespass offering was still required to bring one **tenth deal** of fine flour, ensuring their access to reconciliation [[Leviticus 14:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6241}}` is more than just an archaic unit of measure. It represents a specific, divinely mandated "tenth deal" of **fine flour** used in Israel's sacrificial system. Its application in **meat offerings** (`minchâh`, `{{H4503}}`) was precise, scaling with the value of the accompanying animal sacrifice. The **ʻissârôwn** thus illustrates the principles of careful obedience, proportional giving, and the structured framework through which all Israelites, rich or **poor** (`dal`, `{{H1800}}`), were to approach a holy God.
TRV