Old Testament
Exodus 29:40
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
With the first lamb, offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of pressed olive oil, along with a quarter hin of wine as a drink offering.
Compare translations
And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of an hin of beaten oil; and the fourth part of an hin of wine for a drink offering.
What Exodus 29:40 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this passage, God provides specific instructions for offerings that accompany the sacrifice of a lamb. The first lamb requires a precise amount of fine flour, olive oil, and wine. These ingredients symbolize the best of what people can offer. The flour represents sustenance, the oil signifies richness and blessing, and the wine embodies joy and celebration. Together, they create a complete offering that honors God. This ritual emphasizes the importance of giving our best to God, not just leftovers. It also reflects a relationship built on gratitude and respect. By following these instructions, the people demonstrate their commitment to God and their desire to connect with Him through meaningful acts of worship. Each element of the offering has significance, reminding us that our contributions matter in our relationship with the divine. This passage invites us to consider what we bring to our own spiritual practices and how we can offer our best in our daily lives.
How to apply Exodus 29:40 to your life
Consider what you can offer in your life that reflects your best. This could be time, talents, or resources. Think about how you can express gratitude in your daily actions. Small acts of kindness can be powerful offerings in your relationships and community. Aim to give your best in everything you do, honoring those around you and yourself as well.
Curated for this public verse page. Exodus Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Exodus 29:40
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Exodus 29:40
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Exodus
- Author
- Traditionally attributed to Moses
- Written
- Around 1400 BC
- Genre
- Law (Pentateuch)
- Original Audience
- The Israelites in the wilderness
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Exodus 29:40 teach about offerings?
Exodus 29:40 outlines specific instructions for offerings that accompany the sacrifice of a lamb. It emphasizes the importance of giving the best of what we have, symbolized by fine flour, olive oil, and wine. Each ingredient represents different aspects of worship: sustenance, richness, and joy. This passage teaches that our offerings should reflect our commitment and gratitude towards God.
Why are specific measurements given for the offerings?
The specific measurements in Exodus 29:40 highlight the importance of precision and intentionality in worship. By providing exact amounts, God emphasizes that offerings should be thoughtful and deliberate, not haphazard. This reflects a deeper relationship with God, where worship is approached with care and respect, ensuring that what we offer is meaningful and valuable.
How can I apply the principles of Exodus 29:40 in my life?
To apply the principles from Exodus 29:40, consider what you can offer that represents your best—this could be your time, talents, or resources. Reflect on how you can express gratitude in your daily actions, whether through acts of kindness, service, or generosity. Strive to give your best in all areas of life, honoring both God and those around you.
What do the ingredients in the offering symbolize?
In Exodus 29:40, the ingredients symbolize different aspects of worship: fine flour represents sustenance and the basic needs of life, olive oil signifies richness and blessings, and wine embodies joy and celebration. Together, these elements create a complete offering that honors God, reminding us that our contributions in worship should be meaningful and reflective of our relationship with Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.