Definition and Measurement:
An ephah is an ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure used in the Bible, equivalent to approximately 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons. It is primarily used for measuring grains and other dry commodities. The ephah is one-tenth of a homer, another biblical unit of measurement, and is often mentioned alongside the bath, a unit for liquid measure, indicating a standardized system of weights and measures in ancient Israel.

Biblical References:
The ephah is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of offerings and trade. It is a critical component in the economic and religious life of the Israelites, ensuring fairness and consistency in transactions and sacrificial offerings.

1. Offerings and Sacrifices:
· In the sacrificial system, the ephah is used to measure grain offerings. For instance, in Leviticus 5:11, the ephah is mentioned in the context of a sin offering: "But if he cannot afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, he is to bring as his offering for the sin he has committed a tenth of an ephah of fine flour as a sin offering. He must not put olive oil or frankincense on it, because it is a sin offering."

2. Prophetic Symbolism:
· The ephah also appears in prophetic literature, symbolizing commerce and judgment. In Zechariah 5:6-8, the ephah is used in a vision to represent iniquity: "And I asked, 'What is it?' He replied, 'It is a measuring basket that is going forth.' Then he continued, 'This is their iniquity in all the land.' And behold, the cover of lead was raised, and there was a woman sitting inside the basket. 'This is Wickedness,' he said. And he shoved her down into the basket, pushing down the lead cover over its opening."

3. Economic Transactions:
· The ephah is a standard measure in trade, ensuring fair dealings. In the context of justice and righteousness, the Bible emphasizes honest measures. In Leviticus 19:36, God commands, "You must maintain honest scales and weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt."

Cultural and Religious Significance:
The ephah, as a unit of measure, underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in both religious and economic activities. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God's people are to conduct their lives with honesty and justice, mirroring God's own righteousness. The use of the ephah in offerings also highlights the meticulous nature of worship and the need for precision in following God's commandments.

Historical Context:
In ancient Israel, the ephah was part of a broader system of weights and measures that facilitated trade and ensured equitable distribution of resources. This system was integral to the community's social and economic structure, reflecting the agrarian lifestyle of the Israelites and their dependence on agriculture for sustenance and trade.

Conclusion:
The ephah serves as a reminder of the biblical call to justice and righteousness in all aspects of life, from worship to commerce. Its presence in Scripture highlights the importance of maintaining integrity and fairness, principles that are foundational to the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Second Great Group of Parables.
... And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. [The measure here is the Hebrew cor, which
contains ten baths, or ephahs, or, more exactly, eighty-six and seven ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/xcii second great group of 5.htm

The Section Chap. I. -iii.
... According to Ezekiel 45:11, the homer contained ten ephahs, and a lethech
was the half of an homer. We have thus fifteen pieces ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the section chap i -iii.htm

Ephahs (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Ephahs (1 Occurrence). Deuteronomy 25:14 Thou shalt
not have in thy house divers ephahs, a great and a small. (DBY). ...
/e/ephahs.htm - 6k

Homer (6 Occurrences)
... Heap, the largest of dry measures, containing about 8 bushels or 1 quarter English =
10 ephahs (Leviticus 27:16; Numbers 11:32) = a COR. (see OMER.). ...
/h/homer.htm - 9k

Ephah (55 Occurrences)
... Exodus 16:36; 1 Samuel 17:17; Zechariah 5:6). The double ephah in Proverbs 20:10
(marg., "an ephah and an ephah"), Deuteronomy 25:14, means two ephahs, the one ...
/e/ephah.htm - 27k

Ephai (1 Occurrence)

/e/ephai.htm - 7k

Cor (1 Occurrence)
... and solids. It was equal to one homer, and contained ten ephahs in dry
and ten baths in liquid measure (Ezek. 45:14). The Rabbins ...
/c/cor.htm - 7k

What are the modern equivalents of biblical weights and measures? | GotQuestions.org

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