Lexical Summary issaron: Tenth part, tenth Original Word: עִשָּׂרוֹן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance tenth deal Or oissaron {is-saw-rone'}; from eser; (fractional) a tenth part -- tenth deal. see HEBREW eser NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as eser Definition tenth part NASB Translation one-tenth (1), tenth (5), three-tenths* (8), two-tenths* (11). Brown-Driver-Briggs עִשָּׂרוֺן33 noun masculineLeviticus 14:10 tenth part (of ephah; compare ᵐ5 δέκατον τοῦ οἰφί Numbers 15:4, and עֲשִׂירִית הָאֵיפָה Numbers 28:5; i.e = עֹמֶר, see further BenzArchaeology 182 NowArchaeology i. 203); — abs; — ׳ע Leviticus 14:21 +, עִשָּׂרֹן Exodus 29:40; Numbers 28:13; plural עֶשְׂרֹנִים Numbers 28:9 +; — only P (H), as measure of סֹלֶת used in meal-offering Exodus 29:40; Leviticus 14:10 3t. Leviticus (H only Leviticus 23:17); Numbers 15:4 26t. Numbers, including distributive עִשָּׂר (וֺ) ן עִשָּׂרוֺן Numbers 28:13 4t. Topical Lexicon Measure and Definition עִשָּׂרוֹן (issaron) designates one-tenth of an ephah, a dry measure for grain or fine flour. Based on the standard two-thirds bushel ephah, an issaron is approximately 3.5 to 3.9 liters (about 3.3–3.7 quarts). Although a small quantity by modern standards, it was deliberately chosen by the LORD to structure Israel’s worship, reminding the people that even ordinary portions belong to Him. Biblical Distribution Thirty-three occurrences are clustered in the Pentateuch with a single historical reference in Ezekiel: The concentration in Torah underscores its importance in the foundational covenant documents that governed Israel’s worship life. Role in Daily Worship 1. Continual Burnt Offering – “With the first lamb you are to offer a tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with a quarter hin of beaten oil” (Exodus 29:40). Morning and evening sacrifices were sustained by one issaron of flour, symbolizing regular dependence on God’s provision. Provision for the Impoverished Leviticus 5:11 allows a sin-offering of “a tenth of an ephah of fine flour” for those unable to afford two turtledoves. The same substitute appears for the cleansing of lepers (Leviticus 14:21). The fixed measure assured equity; no worshipper could offer less without violating the standard, yet none was compelled to give beyond means. Festal Requirements The appointed times magnified the issaron: Issaron and the Miracle of Manna Exodus 16:36 equates an omer—the daily manna portion—with “a tenth of an ephah.” Every Israelite family gathered exactly this measure, teaching contentment and obedience. The memorial jar placed before the testimony (Exodus 16:32-34) bore one issaron, preserving evidence of divine sustenance for future generations. Symbolism of the Tenth 1. Proportionate Devotion – A tenth echoes the tithe (Genesis 14:20; Malachi 3:10) and compresses the principle of firstfruits into a unit used in worship. Historical Background Archaeological calibration of Near-Eastern dry measures confirms the ephah’s prevalence in commerce and cult. Ezekiel’s temple vision adjusts measures to ensure “the ephah and the bath shall be the same size” (Ezekiel 45:11), reaffirming accurate worship after exile. The prophet also mandates an issaron of grain for every ram (Ezekiel 45:24), preserving Mosaic continuity while anticipating eschatological fulfillment. Practical Ministry Implications • Discipleship – Regular, measurable acts of devotion cultivate faithfulness. Congregational life benefits from clearly defined, attainable forms of giving and service. Conclusion עִשָּׂרוֹן represents more than an ancient grain measure; it is a God-ordained token of daily gratitude, communal equity, and prophetic anticipation. Rooted in Israel’s worship and fulfilled in Christ, the issaron calls every generation to offer its appointed portion with wholehearted trust in the LORD who provides the bread from heaven. Forms and Transliterations וְעִשָּׂר֣וֹן וְעִשָּׂר֨וֹן וְעִשָּׂרֹ֣ן וְעִשָּׂרֹ֨ן וְעִשָּׂרׅוֹן֙ ועשרון ועשרן עִשָּׂר֔וֹן עִשָּׂר֗וֹן עִשָּׂר֤וֹן עִשָּׂרוֹן֙ עֶשְׂרֹנִ֑ים עֶשְׂרֹנִ֔ים עֶשְׂרֹנִ֖ים עֶשְׂרֹנִ֗ים עֶשְׂרֹנִ֛ים עֶשְׂרֹנִ֜ים עֶשְׂרֹנִים֙ עשרון עשרנים ‘eś·rō·nîm ‘eśrōnîm ‘iś·śā·rō·wn ‘iśśārōwn esroNim issaRon veissaRon wə‘iśśārōn wə‘iśśārōwn wə·‘iś·śā·rō·wn wə·‘iś·śā·rōnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 29:40 HEB: וְעִשָּׂרֹ֨ן סֹ֜לֶת בָּל֨וּל NAS: and there [shall be] one-tenth [of an ephah] of fine flour KJV: lamb a tenth deal of flour INT: and there one-tenth fine mixed Leviticus 14:10 Leviticus 14:21 Leviticus 23:13 Leviticus 23:17 Leviticus 24:5 Numbers 15:4 Numbers 15:6 Numbers 15:9 Numbers 28:9 Numbers 28:12 Numbers 28:12 Numbers 28:13 Numbers 28:13 Numbers 28:20 Numbers 28:20 Numbers 28:21 Numbers 28:21 Numbers 28:28 Numbers 28:28 Numbers 28:29 Numbers 28:29 Numbers 29:3 Numbers 29:3 Numbers 29:4 33 Occurrences |
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