King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:5 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:5 in the King James Version says “And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and ...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah. as he: Heb. the gift of his hand”

Ezekiel 46:5 · King James Version

Context

3

Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the LORD in the sabbaths and in the new moons.

4

And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer unto the LORD in the sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish, and a ram without blemish.

5

And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and an hin of oil to an ephah. as he: Heb. the gift of his hand

6

And in the day of the new moon it shall be a young bullock without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram: they shall be without blemish.

7

And he shall prepare a meat offering, an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain unto, and an hin of oil to an ephah.

Read Ezekiel 46 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the meat offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the meat offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give—The minchah (מִנְחָה, "grain offering") accompanying the ram is fixed (one ephah, ~22 liters of fine flour), but the grain for the six lambs is discretionary: as he shall be able to give (mattat yado, מַתַּת יָדוֹ, literally "gift of his hand"). This phrase introduces gracious flexibility—the prince gives according to ability, not rigid quota.

The contrast between required (ram's ephah) and voluntary (lambs' grain) balances structure with freedom in worship. Fixed elements ensure adequacy; voluntary elements allow generosity beyond minimum. And an hin of oil to an ephah—oil accompanies grain at a ratio of 1 hin (~3.6 liters) per ephah, maintaining proportion. This tripartite offering (animal/grain/oil) symbolizes complete consecration: life (blood), labor (grain), and Spirit (oil). Christ embodies this completeness—His blood, His perfect human obedience, and His Spirit-anointed ministry form the whole sacrifice.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient Israel, wealth varied by season, geography, and household size. By allowing the prince discretion in the lambs' grain offering while requiring a baseline, Ezekiel's system prevents both legalism (everything prescribed) and chaos (nothing prescribed). This balance between law and liberty prefigures New Testament teaching on giving: "as he shall be able" echoes Paul's "as he purposeth in his heart" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the combination of required and discretionary offerings balance God's authority with human freedom in worship?
  2. What does 'as he shall be able to give' teach about God's evaluation of our worship based on capacity rather than absolute amount?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
מִנְחָ֖ה1 of 10

“And the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

לָאֵיפָֽה׃2 of 10

“shall be an ephah”

H374

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

לָאַ֔יִל3 of 10

“for a ram”

H352

properly, strength; hence, anything strong; specifically an oak or other strong tree

וְלַכְּבָשִׂ֥ים4 of 10

“for the lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

מִנְחָ֖ה5 of 10

“And the meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

מַתַּ֣ת6 of 10

“to give”

H4991

a present

יָד֑וֹ7 of 10

“as he shall be able”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

וְשֶׁ֖מֶן8 of 10

“of oil”

H8081

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

הִ֥ין9 of 10

“and an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

לָאֵיפָֽה׃10 of 10

“shall be an ephah”

H374

an ephah or measure for grain; hence, a measure in general

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 46:5 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 46:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 45:24Ezekiel 46:7Deuteronomy 16:17Numbers 28:12Leviticus 14:21Ezekiel 46:11-12

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