Ezekiel 4:11 Meaning and Explanation
“Thou shalt drink also water by measure, the sixth part of an hin: from time to time shalt thou drink.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Ezekiel will drink only a sixth of a hin daily—a measured, minimal water ration.
The Context of Ezekiel 4:11
Water scarcity completes the picture of siege deprivation.
What Does Ezekiel 4:11 Mean?
Water, like bread, becomes rationed. A hin (approximately one gallon) was a standard liquid measure, and a sixth of it is roughly a quart daily—barely sufficient for survival in an arid climate. Ezekiel's thirst mirrors Jerusalem's desperation during siege.
By coupling water rationing with bread rationing, the prophecy creates a holistic picture of siege suffering. Neither hunger nor thirst is satisfied. Both body and spirit are weakened by deprivation, preparing the people for judgment.
Ezekiel 4:11 in the Original Language
hin (הִין, hin) — a Hebrew measure of liquid capacity, roughly one gallon, emphasizing the precise, meager allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ezekiel 4:11
What does Ezekiel 4:11 mean?
Ezekiel will drink only a sixth of a hin daily—a measured, minimal water ration.
What is the context of Ezekiel 4:11?
Water scarcity completes the picture of siege deprivation.