King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 45:14 Mean?

Ezekiel 45:14 in the King James Version says “Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an ho...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 45 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:”

Ezekiel 45:14 · KJV

Context

12

And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs: twenty shekels, five and twenty shekels, fifteen shekels, shall be your maneh.

13

This is the oblation that ye shall offer; the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah of an homer of barley:

14

Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor, which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer:

15

And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel; for a meat offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconciliation for them, saith the Lord GOD. lamb: or, kid peace: or, thank offerings

16

All the people of the land shall give this oblation for the prince in Israel. shall: Heb. shall be for for: or, with

Read Ezekiel 45 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Concerning the ordinance of oil, the bath of oil, ye shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the cor—The oil contribution rate is 1/100th (since a cor (כֹּר) = 10 baths, the tenth of a bath per cor = 1%). The chok (חֹק, "ordinance" or "statute") for oil parallels the grain offering but at a lighter rate. Oil (שֶׁמֶן, shemen)—from olives, Israel's agricultural wealth—fueled the menorah (Exodus 27:20), anointed priests (Exodus 29:7), and accompanied grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1).

The meticulous measurement—which is an homer of ten baths; for ten baths are an homer—ensures no confusion between different measurement systems. Oil symbolizes the Holy Spirit's anointing (1 Samuel 16:13, Acts 10:38) and the Spirit's sanctifying work (Zechariah 4:1-6). That Israel contributes oil for temple service acknowledges that spiritual vitality comes from God yet requires human participation in maintaining worship. The light oil tax (1%) combined with light grain tax (1.67%) totals approximately 2.67%—far below the tithe, suggesting grace-motivated giving rather than legal obligation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Olive oil production was labor-intensive, requiring cultivation, harvesting, pressing, and refining. As a valuable commodity traded internationally, oil represented concentrated wealth. By requiring only 1% for temple use, Ezekiel's vision ensures adequate provision without burdening the people, contrasting with kings who hoarded resources (1 Kings 10:27-29).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does oil as a symbol of the Holy Spirit connect to our responsibility to 'fuel' corporate worship?
  2. What does the light taxation rate reveal about God's generosity and trust in His people's willing participation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וְחֹ֨ק1 of 15

“Concerning the ordinance”

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן2 of 15

“of oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

הַבַּתִּ֖ים3 of 15

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

הַשֶּׁ֗מֶן4 of 15

“of oil”

H8081

grease, especially liquid (as from the olive, often perfumed); figuratively, richness

מַעְשַׂ֤ר5 of 15

“ye shall offer the tenth part”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

הַבַּתִּ֖ים6 of 15

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

מִן7 of 15
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַכֹּ֔ר8 of 15

“out of the cor”

H3734

properly, a deep round vessel, i.e., (specifically) a cor or measure for things dry

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת9 of 15

“for ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַבַּתִּ֖ים10 of 15

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

חֹֽמֶר׃11 of 15

“are an homer”

H2563

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

כִּֽי12 of 15
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת13 of 15

“for ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

הַבַּתִּ֖ים14 of 15

“baths”

H1324

a bath or hebrew measure (as a means of division) of liquids

חֹֽמֶר׃15 of 15

“are an homer”

H2563

properly, a bubbling up, i.e., of water, a wave; hence, a chomer or dry measure

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 45:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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