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Ephah

biblical_measurement_unit theological_term standard

A biblical dry measure used for grain and other commodities, roughly a bushel in modern terms, though exact equivalence is uncertain.

At a Glance

A Hebrew dry-measure unit used for measuring grain and similar goods.

Key Points

Description

An ephah is an ancient Hebrew dry measure used for commodities such as grain, flour, and other dry goods. In the Old Testament it appears in instructions about offerings, honest commerce, and household provision. Because the term belongs to the world of weights and measures, its significance is mainly historical and explanatory: it helps readers understand the scale of biblical transactions and sacrifices. The exact modern equivalent cannot be fixed with precision, but it functioned as a standard recognized measure in Israel's life and law.

Biblical Context

Scripture uses the ephah in both ritual and ordinary settings. It is connected to the gathering of manna, grain offerings, household provision, and prophetic calls for honest standards in commerce.

Historical Context

As an ancient Near Eastern dry measure, the ephah belonged to the common economic vocabulary of Israel and surrounding cultures. Its exact size likely varied over time, which is why modern conversions are approximate.

Jewish and Ancient Context

In ancient Israel, standard measures were important for both covenant faithfulness and everyday fairness. The ephah helped regulate trade and offerings so that quantities were not manipulated for gain.

Primary Key Texts

Secondary Key Texts

Original Language Note

Hebrew 'ephah' (אֵיפָה) is a dry measure used for grain and similar goods; the term is transliterated into English Bibles.

Theological Significance

The ephah is not itself a doctrine, but it supports biblical themes of honesty, justice, careful stewardship, and faithful worship through accurate measures.

Philosophical Explanation

The term illustrates how Scripture grounds spiritual truth in ordinary material life. God’s law addresses everyday commerce because moral obedience includes fair dealing in concrete, measurable things.

Interpretive Cautions

Do not press modern conversions too rigidly, since the ancient measure may have varied. The ephah should be understood as a practical biblical unit, not as a symbol with a fixed hidden meaning unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

Major Views

Readers generally treat the ephah as a standard dry measure; the main difference in discussion is only the approximate modern equivalent, not the meaning of the term itself.

Doctrinal Boundaries

This entry should not be treated as a doctrinal term. Its value is explanatory, helping readers understand biblical laws, sacrifices, and economic references.

Practical Significance

Knowing what an ephah is helps readers read Old Testament passages more accurately, especially texts about offerings, provision, and fair trade.

Related Entries

See Also

Data

Machine-readable JSON for Ephah