What is a Hin in the Bible?

When reading the Bible, we come across many different units of measurement that are not familiar to us in modern times. One such unit is the hin. What exactly is a hin in the Bible? Let's explore this measurement in more detail.

What is a Hin?

A hin is a unit of measurement used in the Bible to measure liquids such as oil and wine. It is believed to be equivalent to about 1.5 gallons or 5.7 liters. The hin was one of the larger units of measurement used in the Bible, with smaller units including the log and the cab.

Instances of the Hin in the Bible

The hin is mentioned numerous times throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Ezekiel. Here are a few examples:

• Exodus 29:40 - "With the first lamb offer a tenth of an ephah of the finest flour mixed with a quarter of a hin of oil from pressed olives, and a quarter of a hin of wine as a drink offering."
• Leviticus 19:36 - "Use honest scales and honest weights, an honest ephah and an honest hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt."
• Ezekiel 45:24 - "He is to provide as a grain offering an ephah for each bull and an ephah for each ram, along with a hin of olive oil for each ephah."

The Symbolism of the Hin

In addition to being a unit of measurement, the hin also has symbolic meaning in the Bible. It often represents abundance and blessings from God. For example, in Ezekiel 45:14, the hin is used to describe the amount of oil that will be provided for the prince's grain offerings:

"The prescribed portion of oil, measured by the bath, is a tenth of a bath from each cor (which consists of ten baths or one homer, for ten baths are equivalent to a homer)." (Ezekiel 45:14)

Here, the hin is referred to as a tenth of a bath, emphasizing the abundance of oil that will be provided.

Conclusion

The hin is a unit of measurement used in the Old Testament to measure liquids such as oil and wine. It is believed to be equivalent to about 1.5 gallons or 5.7 liters. In addition to its practical use, the hin also has symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing abundance and blessings from God. While we may not use the hin in modern times, understanding its meaning and significance can deepen our understanding of the Bible and its teachings.