King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 4:11 Mean?

Ezekiel 4:11 in the King James Version says “Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.”

Ezekiel 4:11 · KJV

Context

9

Take thou also unto thee wheat, and barley, and beans, and lentiles, and millet, and fitches, and put them in one vessel, and make thee bread thereof, according to the number of the days that thou shalt lie upon thy side, three hundred and ninety days shalt thou eat thereof. fitches: or, spelt

10

And thy meat which thou shalt eat shall be by weight, twenty shekels a day: from time to time shalt thou eat it.

11

Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.

12

And thou shalt eat it as barley cakes, and thou shalt bake it with dung that cometh out of man, in their sight.

13

And the LORD said, Even thus shall the children of Israel eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles, whither I will drive them.

Read Ezekiel 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink. Water rationing compounds food scarcity—Ezekiel receives one-sixth of a hin (approximately 2/3 quart or 600ml) daily, roughly one-third of normal water intake. The "sixth part of a hin" (shishit ha-hin, שִׁשִּׁית הַהִין) represents severe but not fatal dehydration, causing constant thirst and physical weakness. Like food, water is drunk "from time to time," emphasizing careful conservation of precious resources.

Water scarcity during siege was especially deadly in Jerusalem's climate, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F (30°C). Ancient Jerusalem depended on springs like Gihon and stored rainwater in cisterns. During siege, these sources became inadequate for the swollen population (refugees fleeing Babylonian armies crowded into the city). Contamination from poor sanitation would further reduce safe water availability.

Symbolically, water represents spiritual life and God's provision (Psalm 42:1-2; John 4:13-14; 7:37-39). The rationing of water illustrates spiritual thirst resulting from covenant unfaithfulness. Just as physical thirst becomes unbearable during siege, souls apart from God experience deep spiritual longing that nothing else satisfies. Christ offers living water that eternally quenches spiritual thirst (John 4:14)—what Jerusalem lost through rebellion, believers gain through faith in Him who provides abundantly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Jerusalem's water supply came primarily from the Gihon Spring accessed through tunnels like Hezekiah's (2 Kings 20:20), and rainwater collected in plastered cisterns throughout the city. During the 18-month Babylonian siege, these sources proved inadequate for the trapped population. Archaeological excavations have uncovered numerous cisterns in the City of David, many showing evidence of desperate attempts to deepen them during the siege.

One-sixth hin (approximately 600ml) daily was barely enough to prevent death from dehydration. Modern survival guidelines suggest 2-3 liters daily for minimal hydration in hot climates. Ezekiel's ration represented chronic dehydration causing weakness, impaired thinking, and vulnerability to disease. Combined with inadequate food, these conditions would have been debilitating.

The historical record confirms water scarcity's role in Jerusalem's fall. Lamentations describes the desperate search for water: "Our pursuers were swifter than the eagles of the heavens...they dogged our steps...We must pay to drink our water; our wood comes only at a price" (Lamentations 4:19; 5:4). What Ezekiel dramatized prophetically, Jerusalem experienced literally within a decade.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does water scarcity during judgment symbolize the spiritual thirst of souls separated from God?
  2. What does rationed water teach about taking God's daily provisions for granted?
  3. How does Christ as the source of living water address our deepest spiritual thirst?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וּמַ֛יִם1 of 9

“also water”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

בִּמְשׂוּרָ֥ה2 of 9

“by measure”

H4884

a measure (for liquids)

תִּשְׁתֶּֽה׃3 of 9

“Thou shalt drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

שִׁשִּׁ֣ית4 of 9

“the sixth part”

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

הַהִ֑ין5 of 9

“of an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

עֵ֖ת6 of 9

“from time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

עַד7 of 9
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

עֵ֖ת8 of 9

“from time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

תִּשְׁתֶּֽה׃9 of 9

“Thou shalt drink”

H8354

to imbibe (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezekiel. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezekiel 4:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezekiel 4:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 5:13Ezekiel 4:16John 3:34

Test Your Knowledge

Ezekiel 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEzekiel Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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