Ezekiel 4:11
New International Version
Also measure out a sixth of a hin of water and drink it at set times.

New Living Translation
Then measure out a jar of water for each day, and drink it at set times.

English Standard Version
And water you shall drink by measure, the sixth part of a hin; from day to day you shall drink.

Berean Standard Bible
You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times.

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

New King James Version
You shall also drink water by measure, one-sixth of a hin; from time to time you shall drink.

New American Standard Bible
The water you drink shall be a sixth of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time.

NASB 1995
“The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time.

NASB 1977
“And the water you drink will be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time.

Legacy Standard Bible
The water you drink shall be the sixth part of a hin by measure; you shall drink it from time to time.

Amplified Bible
You shall drink water by measure also, the sixth part of a hin; you shall drink daily at a set time.

Christian Standard Bible
You will also drink a ration of water, a sixth of a gallon, which you will drink at set times.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You are also to drink water by measure, a sixth of a gallon, which you will drink from time to time.

American Standard Version
And thou shalt drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.

Contemporary English Version
and drink only two large cups of water.

English Revised Version
And thou shalt drink water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Measure out two-thirds of a quart of water, and drink it at set times.

Good News Translation
You will also have a limited amount of water to drink, two cups a day.

International Standard Version
You are to measure one sixth of one hin of water each time you drink it.

NET Bible
And you must drink water by measure, a pint and a half; you must drink it at fixed times.

New Heart English Bible
You shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time you shall drink.

Webster's Bible Translation
Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times.

World English Bible
You shall drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin. From time to time you shall drink.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And you drink water by measure, a sixth part of the hin; from time to time you drink [it].

Young's Literal Translation
And water by measure thou dost drink, a sixth part of the hin; from time to time thou dost drink it.

Smith's Literal Translation
And water by measure shalt thou drink, the sixth of the bin: from time even to time shalt thou drink.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou shalt drink water by measure, the sixth part of a hin: from time to time thou shalt drink it,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And you shall drink water by measure, one sixth part of a hin. You shall drink it from time to time.

New American Bible
And the water you drink shall be the sixth of a hin by measure; each day you shall drink it.

New Revised Standard Version
And you shall drink water by measure, one-sixth of a hin; at fixed times you shall drink.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And you shall drink water by measure, a sixth part of a hin; from time to time shall you drink.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And drink water by measure, one sixth part of a hin; from time to time you shall drink
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of a hin; from time to time shalt thou drink.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And thou shalt drink water by measure, even from time to time thou shalt drink the sixth part of a hin.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Defiled Bread
10You are to weigh out twenty shekels of food to eat each day, and you are to eat it at set times. 11You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink, and you are to drink it at set times. 12And you shall eat the food as you would a barley cake, after you bake it over dried human excrement in the sight of the people.”…

Cross References
Leviticus 26:26
When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out your bread by weight, so that you will eat but not be satisfied.

Isaiah 3:1
For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water,

Jeremiah 14:3
The nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns, but find no water; their jars return empty. They are ashamed and humiliated; they cover their heads.

Lamentations 4:4
The nursing infant’s tongue clings in thirst to the roof of his mouth. Little children beg for bread, but no one gives them any.

Amos 4:6
“I afflicted all your cities with cleanness of teeth and all your towns with lack of bread, yet you did not return to Me,” declares the LORD.

Revelation 6:6
And I heard what sounded like a voice from among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine.”

Matthew 24:7
Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

Luke 21:11
There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

John 6:35
Jesus answered, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.

John 4:13-14
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. / But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life.”

Psalm 78:24-25
He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance.

1 Kings 17:10-11
So Elijah got up and went to Zarephath. When he arrived at the city gate, there was a widow gathering sticks. Elijah called to her and said, “Please bring me a little water in a cup, so that I may drink.” / And as she was going to get it, he called to her and said, “Please bring me a piece of bread.”

2 Kings 6:25
So there was a great famine in Samaria. Indeed, they besieged the city so long that a donkey’s head sold for eighty shekels of silver, and a quarter cab of dove’s dung sold for five shekels of silver.

Nehemiah 9:15
In their hunger You gave them bread from heaven; in their thirst You brought them water from the rock. You told them to go in and possess the land that You had sworn to give them.

Exodus 16:4
Then the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain down bread from heaven for you. Each day the people are to go out and gather enough for that day. In this way I will test whether or not they will follow My instructions.


Treasury of Scripture

You shall drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shall you drink.

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Ezekiel 4
1. Under type of a siege is shown the time from the defection of Jeroboam to captivity
9. By the provision of the siege, is shown the hardness of the famine














You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water to drink
In this phrase, the prophet Ezekiel is instructed to measure a specific amount of water, a sixth of a hin, which is approximately 0.6 liters or about 2.5 cups. This precise measurement signifies the scarcity of resources during the impending siege of Jerusalem. The act of measuring water highlights the dire conditions and rationing that the inhabitants would face. In biblical times, water was a precious commodity, especially in arid regions like the Middle East. This rationing serves as a symbolic act to convey the severity of the judgment coming upon Jerusalem due to their disobedience and idolatry. The scarcity of water can also be seen as a metaphor for spiritual drought, where the people have turned away from the living water that God provides (Jeremiah 2:13).

and you are to drink it at set times
The instruction to drink the water at set times further emphasizes the discipline and control required during a siege. This reflects the reality of living under siege conditions, where resources must be carefully managed to ensure survival. The set times for drinking may also symbolize the structured and ordained nature of God's judgment, as well as His sovereignty over the events that unfold. This aspect of the prophecy can be connected to the broader biblical theme of God's timing and order, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:1, where there is a time for every purpose under heaven. Additionally, the discipline required in this act can be seen as a call to spiritual discipline and reliance on God, who provides for His people even in times of trial.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezekiel
A prophet called by God to deliver His messages to the Israelites during their Babylonian exile. Known for his symbolic actions and visions.

2. Babylon
The place of exile for the Israelites during Ezekiel's prophetic ministry. It represents a period of judgment and purification for the people of Israel.

3. Israelites
The people of God who are in exile due to their disobedience and idolatry. They are the primary audience of Ezekiel's prophecies.

4. Symbolic Actions
Ezekiel is instructed by God to perform symbolic actions to convey His messages. Drinking a limited amount of water symbolizes the scarcity and hardship during the siege.

5. Siege of Jerusalem
The event that Ezekiel's actions are symbolizing, where Jerusalem is under siege, leading to severe shortages of food and water.
Teaching Points
Symbolism of Scarcity
Ezekiel's limited water intake symbolizes the dire conditions during the siege of Jerusalem. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God.

Obedience to God's Instructions
Ezekiel's adherence to God's specific instructions, even in symbolic actions, highlights the importance of obedience in our spiritual walk.

Dependence on God
The scarcity of resources during the siege points to the need for reliance on God for provision and sustenance, both physically and spiritually.

Prophetic Warnings
Ezekiel's actions serve as a warning to the Israelites and to us today about the consequences of sin and the importance of repentance.

Spiritual Discipline
The set times for drinking water can be likened to spiritual disciplines, emphasizing the need for regular, intentional time with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezekiel 4:11?

2. How does Ezekiel 4:11 illustrate God's instructions for obedience and discipline?

3. What can we learn from Ezekiel's actions about following God's commands today?

4. How does Ezekiel 4:11 connect to other instances of prophetic symbolism in Scripture?

5. In what ways can we apply Ezekiel's obedience to our daily spiritual practices?

6. How does Ezekiel 4:11 challenge us to trust God's provision in difficult times?

7. Why does Ezekiel 4:11 specify a limited amount of water for consumption?

8. How does Ezekiel 4:11 reflect the historical context of the Babylonian siege?

9. What theological message is conveyed through the rationing in Ezekiel 4:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezekiel 4?

11. What was the duration of Noah's time on the ark?

12. How will God's judgment and restoration manifest for Israel?

13. Ezekiel 4:9-12: Is there any historical evidence that this specific type of 'siege bread' was actually made and consumed in ancient times?

14. What does 'Famine of Hearing the Words of the Lord' mean?
What Does Ezekiel 4:11 Mean
You are also to measure out a sixth of a hin of water

• “A sixth of a hin” (about one pint/0.6 liters) is a very small daily allowance, signaling extreme scarcity. Just as God later says, “I will cut off the supply of bread in Jerusalem; they will eat bread by weight and in anxiety and drink water by measure and in dread” (Ezekiel 4:16), the limited water mirrors the famine conditions that would accompany the Babylonian siege.

• Scripture often links measured rations with divine judgment: “When I cut off your supply of bread, ten women will bake your bread in a single oven and dole out the bread by weight” (Leviticus 26:26); “There was a great famine in Samaria… a donkey’s head was sold for eighty shekels of silver” (2 Kings 6:25). The precise measurement underscores that the hardship comes from God’s hand, not mere chance.

• Yet even in judgment the Lord preserves life. He gives just enough for survival—echoing how He sustained Elijah with measured provisions (1 Kings 17:10-16) and later provided daily manna in exact portions (Exodus 16:16-18). Scarcity becomes an invitation to depend wholly on Him.


to drink

• The ration is specifically “to drink,” reminding us that God’s discipline does not aim at annihilation but at repentance and restoration. Israel will not die of thirst; they will taste the bitterness of shortage so they might thirst again for the Lord (Psalm 42:1-2).

• Water in Scripture pictures both physical necessity and spiritual satisfaction. Jesus later declares, “Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst” (John 4:14), pointing beyond Ezekiel’s literal pint to the ultimate quenching found in Christ.

• By commanding Ezekiel to live out the ration publicly, God turns the prophet into a living sermon—much like Hosea’s marriage (Hosea 1:2) or Isaiah’s children’s names (Isaiah 8:18). The message is unavoidable: if the righteous prophet must live on meager water, how much more will the unrepentant city?


and you are to drink it at set times

• Scheduled sips picture the oppressive routine of siege life. Instead of drinking whenever thirst strikes, the people will wait for the appointed moment, their days governed by shortage rather than abundance. Jeremiah describes similar dread: “Their nobles send their servants for water; they go to the cisterns but find no water” (Jeremiah 14:3).

• The phrase “set times” echoes God’s orderly provision in better days—morning and evening sacrifices (Exodus 29:38-42), fixed times for manna (Exodus 16:21), and seasons for rain (Deuteronomy 11:14). Under judgment those rhythms remain, but they are stripped to bare minimums.

• Rationed time and rationed supply also highlight personal responsibility. Ezekiel must obey the exact schedule; so will Jerusalem. Disregarding God’s timetable—whether Sabbath rest (Nehemiah 13:15-18) or prophetic warnings—brings discipline. Now the clock itself becomes a teacher.

• The set times carry a hidden mercy: they prevent Ezekiel from draining his pint too quickly and dying. Even under wrath God’s structure preserves life, hinting at future restoration (Ezekiel 36:25-28).


summary

Ezekiel 4:11 commands the prophet to live on a one-pint, carefully timed daily water ration. The measured pint announces siege-driven scarcity; the act of drinking shows that discipline aims at repentance, not extinction; and the fixed schedule turns every hour into a reminder that the Lord, not circumstance, rules the nation’s fate. Scarcity, structure, and survival all converge to call God’s people back to wholehearted dependence on Him, anticipating the day when He will “pour out water on the thirsty land” (Isaiah 44:3).

(11) The sixth part of an hin.--There is also a difference among the authorities as to the measures of capacity for liquids. These would make the sixth part of an hin from six-tenths to nine-tenths of a pint. This also was to be drunk once a day.

Verse 11. - The sixth, part of an hin, etc. According to the varying accounts of the "hin" given by Jewish writers, this would give from .6 to .9 of a pint. And this was, like the food, to be doled out once a day. Possibly "the bread of affliction and the water of affliction," in 1 Kings 22:27 and Isaiah 30:20, contains a reference to the quantity as well as the quality of a prison dietary as thus described. Isaiah's words may refer to the siege of Sennacherib, as Ezekiel's do to the siege of Nebuchadnezzar.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You are also to measure out
בִּמְשׂוּרָ֥ה (bim·śū·rāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4884: A measure

a sixth
שִׁשִּׁ֣ית (šiš·šîṯ)
Number - ordinal feminine singular construct
Strong's 8345: Sixth, ord, fractional

of a hin
הַהִ֑ין (ha·hîn)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1969: A hin (a liquid measure)

of water
וּמַ֛יִם (ū·ma·yim)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen

to drink,
תִשְׁתֶּ֖ה (ṯiš·teh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

and you are to drink it
תִּשְׁתֶּֽה׃ (tiš·teh)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 8354: To imbibe

at set times.
מֵעֵ֥ת (mê·‘êṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6256: Time, now, when


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OT Prophets: Ezekiel 4:11 You shall drink water by measure (Ezek. Eze Ezk)
Ezekiel 4:10
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