Hin

The hin was a Hebrew liquid measure, equal to one-sixth of a bath or approximately 3.7–4 liters (about one US gallon) by modern estimates, though ancient weights and measures are subject to varying calculations. It was subdivided into thirds, halves, and sixths in priestly contexts (Exodus 29:40; Numbers 15:4–10). The hin appears primarily in connection with the Tabernacle and temple service: the prescribed oil for the lampstand (Exodus 30:24), the drink offerings that accompanied sacrifices (a quarter-hin for a lamb, a third-hin for a ram, a half-hin for a bull, Numbers 15:4–10), and the daily meal offering (Exodus 29:40).

The hin also appears in Ezekiel's vision of the restored worship in proportioned food and drink allocations (Ezekiel 4:11; 45:24; 46:5, 7, 11, 14). The name is likely borrowed from the Egyptian hnw, a standard Egyptian measure, reflecting the Mosaic system's Egyptian background. Like other biblical weights and measures, the actual value of the hin has been debated, with estimates ranging from approximately 3.5 to 6.5 liters depending on which period and textual tradition is followed.