King James Version

What Does Ezekiel 46:7 Mean?

Ezekiel 46:7 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Ezekiel chapter 46 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezekiel 46:7 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

And when the prince shall enter, he shall go in by the way of the porch of that gate, and he shall go forth by the way thereof.

9

But when the people of the land shall come before the LORD in the solemn feasts, he that entereth in by the way of the north gate to worship shall go out by the way of the south gate; and he that entereth by the way of the south gate shall go forth by the way of the north gate: he shall not return by the way of the gate whereby he came in, but shall go forth over against it.

Read Ezekiel 46 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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. The Hebrew minchah (מִנְחָה, 'grain offering') accompanies animal sacrifices—fine flour representing the fruit of human labor dedicated to God. An ephah (אֵיפָה, roughly 22 liters) of grain per large animal shows generous provision, while according as his hand shall attain unto (mattat yado, מַתַּת יָדוֹ) allows proportional giving based on means.

The phrase an hin of oil to an ephah specifies oil for mixing with flour—a hin (הִין, about 3.7 liters) enriching each ephah. This mirrors Paul's teaching in 2 Corinthians 8:12: giving is acceptable 'according to that a man hath.' Grace-filled worship combines prescribed standards with Spirit-enabled generosity.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Grain offerings in Mosaic law (Leviticus 2) symbolized consecration of daily life and labor. The ephah measure appears throughout biblical commerce and worship. Ezekiel's specifications modify Numbers 28-29 regulations, suggesting a renewed covenant framework while maintaining sacrificial symbolism.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does 'according as his hand shall attain' teach about God's expectation for our financial stewardship and worship?
  2. How do grain offerings—products of human labor mixed with oil—typify the Spirit-empowered works believers offer God through Christ?

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

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
לָאֵיפָֽה׃1 of 13

“an ephah”

H374

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

לַפָּ֜ר2 of 13

“for a bullock”

H6499

a bullock (apparently as breaking forth in wild strength, or perhaps as dividing the hoof)

לָאֵיפָֽה׃3 of 13

“an ephah”

H374

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

לָאַ֙יִל֙4 of 13

“for a ram”

H352

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

יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה5 of 13

“And he shall prepare”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

מִנְחָ֔ה6 of 13

“a meat offering”

H4503

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

וְלַ֨כְּבָשִׂ֔ים7 of 13

“and for the lambs”

H3532

a ram (just old enough to butt)

כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר8 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

תַּשִּׂ֖יג9 of 13

“shall attain”

H5381

to reach (literally or figuratively)

יָד֑וֹ10 of 13

“according as his hand”

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

וְשֶׁ֖מֶן11 of 13

“of oil”

H8081

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

הִ֥ין12 of 13

“unto and an hin”

H1969

a hin or liquid measure

לָאֵיפָֽה׃13 of 13

“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 46:7 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 46:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 46:5

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