In biblical times, the concept of a ration refers to a fixed allowance of provisions or food, often distributed to individuals or groups, particularly in contexts of scarcity or organized distribution. The term "ration" is not explicitly used in most English translations of the Bible, but the concept is evident in various passages where food distribution is organized and regulated.

Old Testament Context

The idea of rationing is notably present in the account of Joseph in Egypt. During the seven years of famine, Joseph, having been appointed by Pharaoh, implemented a system of storing grain during the years of plenty to distribute during the years of scarcity. This organized distribution can be seen as a form of rationing. Genesis 41:48-49 states, "During those seven years, Joseph collected all the excess food in the land of Egypt and stored it in the cities. In every city he put the food grown in the fields surrounding it. So Joseph stored up grain in such abundance, like the sand of the sea, that he stopped keeping track of it; for it was beyond measure."

Another example is found in the wilderness journey of the Israelites, where God provided manna as a daily ration. Each person was to gather an omer per day, ensuring that everyone had enough and that none was wasted. Exodus 16:16 instructs, "This is what the LORD has commanded: ‘Each one is to gather as much as he needs. You may take an omer for each person in your tent.’"

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of rationing is less explicit but can be inferred in the communal sharing and distribution of resources among the early Christians. Acts 4:34-35 describes how the believers shared their possessions: "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need."

Theological Implications

The biblical principle of rationing underscores themes of stewardship, provision, and community. It reflects God's provision for His people and the responsibility of leaders to manage resources wisely. The distribution of rations, whether in the form of manna or grain, highlights the importance of trust in God's provision and the equitable sharing of resources within a community.

Practical Applications

In contemporary Christian thought, the concept of rationing can be applied to discussions on resource management, social justice, and community support. It encourages believers to consider how resources are distributed within their communities and to act with compassion and fairness, ensuring that the needs of all are met, especially in times of scarcity.1. (n.) A fixed daily allowance of provisions assigned to a soldier in the army, or a sailor in the navy, for his subsistence.

2. (n.) Hence, a certain portion or fixed amount dealt out; an allowance; an allotment.

3. (v. t.) To supply with rations, as a regiment.

4620. sitometrion -- a measured portion of food
... ration, portion of meat. From sitos and metron; a grain-measure, ie (by implication)
ration (allowance of food) -- portion of meat. see GREEK sitos. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4620.htm - 6k

3800. opsonion -- provisions, wages
... 3800 (from , "meat" and , "purchase") -- properly, the purchase of meat (food);
later, "ration-money paid to soldiers" (); hence, (""). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3800.htm - 7k

737. aruchah -- a meal, allowance
... Word Origin pass. part. of arach Definition a meal, allowance NASB Word Usage allowance
(4), dish (1), ration (1). allowance, diet, dinner, victuals. ...
/hebrew/737.htm - 6k

1697. dabar -- speech, word
... 2), plan (2), plot (2), portion (3), promise (8), proposal (3), proposed (1), proven
(1), purpose (2), question (1), questions (3), ration (1), reason (4 ...
/hebrew/1697.htm - 8k

4490. manah -- part, portion
... From manah; properly, something weighed out, ie (generally) a division; specifically
(of food) a ration; also a lot -- such things as belonged, part, portion. ...
/hebrew/4490.htm - 6k

Three Necessary "Rations"
... Then you will find work enough to do and strength to do it. The second "ration"
is inspiration. ... The third "ration" needful is consideration. ...
/.../naylor/heart talks/talk twenty-three three necessary rations.htm

Letter xvi. --To Amphilochius.
... some of the people here contract with me to furnish thirty workmen for a stater,
for the dressed stonework, of course with a specified ration along with the ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/letter xvi to amphilochius.htm

Sermon
... The whole nation, we are told, is growing so thin on the small ration that can be
provided, that wasting diseases, due to under-nutrition, are increasing by ...
//christianbookshelf.org/michelson/no 4 intersession/sermon.htm

Whether God Knows Things Other than Himself by Proper Knowledge?
... Hence it can be taken as the proper ration of each thing according to the diverse
ways in which diverse creatures participate in, and imitate it. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether god knows things other 2.htm

Rom. viii. 12, 13
... For recompenses were with them close at hand, and the reward followed forthwith,
being at once proportionate, and like a kind of daily ration given to domestic ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xiv rom viii 12.htm

Letter xii. Leo, Bishop of the City of Rome, to all the Bishops of ...
... viii.], have suffered the violence of barbarians, and have lost their spotless purity
not in spirit but in body, we consider such mode ration ought to be ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/letter xii leo bishop of.htm

The First vision "On Earth"
... 9 that a denarius (the value of which was about 7 1/4d.) was a day's wage; and we
know also that a choenix of corn (about 2 pints) was the daily ration for a ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the first vision on earth.htm

The Medes and the Second Chaldaean Empire
History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 8. <. ...
/.../chapter iiithe medes and the.htm

Ration (2 Occurrences)
... allowance; an allotment. 3. (vt) To supply with rations, as a regiment.
Multi-Version Concordance Ration (2 Occurrences). Jeremiah 40:5 ...
/r/ration.htm - 7k

Rationed (2 Occurrences)

/r/rationed.htm - 7k

Rating (1 Occurrence)

/r/rating.htm - 6k

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