Lexical Summary shishshah: Six Original Word: שָׁשָׁה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance give the sixth participle A denominative from shesh; to sixth or divide into sixths -- give the sixth participle see HEBREW shesh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origindenominative verb from shesh Definition to give a sixth part of NASB Translation sixth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [שִׁשָּׁה] verb Pi`el denominative give sixth part of (si vera lectio); — Perfect2masculine plural consecutive וְשִׁשִּׁיתֶם הָאֵיפָה Ezekiel 45:13 (+מִן particle), but < read שִׁשִּׁית Vrss and modern ("" שִׁשִּׁית va). — וְשִׁשֵּׁאתִיךָ Ezekiel 39:2 see שׁשׁא. Topical Lexicon Context within Ezekiel’s Temple Vision The single occurrence of שָׁשָׁה appears in Ezekiel 45:13, embedded in the prophet’s detailed description of offerings for the future sanctuary. Ezekiel chapters 40–48 present a comprehensive blueprint for restored worship after the exile, culminating in a visionary temple often associated with the Messianic age. Within this context, the mandated contribution—“a sixth of an ephah from each homer of wheat and a sixth of an ephah from each homer of barley” (Ezekiel 45:13)—illustrates Yahweh’s concern for orderly, proportionate giving among His covenant people. Meaning as a Fractional Measure Though not repeating lexical data, it is important to recognize that the term designates a fractional portion of standard grain measures. The call for “one-sixth” harmonizes with surrounding ratios (Ezekiel 45:11–14) that calibrate oil and flock offerings. By prescribing exact fractions, the passage safeguards equity: every Israelite, regardless of wealth, presents the same proportion from his produce, ensuring communal responsibility rather than burdensome taxation. Biblical Theology of Precise Weights and Measures Scripture consistently links accurate measurement with covenant fidelity and social justice. Exodus 30:13 specifies half-shekel obligations; Leviticus 27:32 regulates tithing of the herd; Proverbs 11:1 denounces “dishonest scales.” Ezekiel’s sixth-fraction requirement perpetuates this theme into the prophetic vision, signaling that restored worship demands integrity in commerce and devotion alike. The mathematics of worship thus becomes an act of holiness, reflecting God’s own precision and righteousness. Prophetic Worship and the Millennial Temple Many interpreters see chapters 40–48 as foreshadowing a literal millennial sanctuary under the reign of Messiah. If viewed futuristically, the one-sixth measure anticipates a time when nations will approach Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:16) and worship in unity and fairness. The standardized portion underscores universal participation: sacrifice will not be monopolized by priestly elites but shared proportionately by all who enter the covenant community. Historical Echoes of Restoration Post-exilic reforms under Zerubbabel and Nehemiah already demonstrated sensitivity to calibrated giving (Nehemiah 10:32–39). Ezekiel’s vision extends that principle, shaping expectations during Israel’s dispersion. Even while scattered, faithful Jews could meditate on the exactitude God demands, fostering hope for a perfect order yet to come. Practical Ministry Implications 1. Stewardship: Churches and individual believers glean a model for proportional generosity. The one-sixth reminds congregations to establish transparent, fair guidelines for offerings. Summary Shaped by Ezekiel’s vision, שָׁשָׁה serves as more than a numeric fraction; it embodies God’s call to equitable, precise, and communal worship. Whether applied to future temple rites or present-day stewardship, the sixth-part contribution magnifies divine order, justice, and the unity of God’s people in offering themselves and their resources to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations וְשִׁשִּׁיתֶם֙ וששיתם veshishshiTem wə·šiš·šî·ṯem wəšiššîṯemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 45:13 HEB: מֵחֹ֣מֶר הַֽחִטִּ֔ים וְשִׁשִּׁיתֶם֙ הָֽאֵיפָ֔ה מֵחֹ֖מֶר NAS: of wheat; a sixth of an ephah KJV: of wheat, and ye shall give the sixth part of an ephah INT: A homer of wheat A sixth of an ephah A homer 1 Occurrence |
    |