In biblical times, the term "corn-measure" refers to a unit of measurement used for grain, which in the context of the Bible often includes wheat, barley, and other cereal grains. The term "corn" in the Bible typically refers to grain in general, rather than the modern understanding of maize. The corn-measure was an essential aspect of agricultural and economic life in ancient Israel and the surrounding regions, as it was used to quantify the harvest and facilitate trade.

Biblical References and Context

The Bible contains several references to measures of grain, which are crucial for understanding the agricultural practices and economic transactions of the time. One of the most common measures mentioned is the "ephah," which is approximately equivalent to 22 liters or about 5.8 gallons. The ephah was a standard measure for dry goods, particularly grain, and is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament.

In the Book of Ruth, the ephah is used to describe the amount of barley gleaned by Ruth: "So she gleaned in the field until evening. Then she threshed the barley she had gathered, and it amounted to about an ephah" (Ruth 2:17). This passage highlights the use of the ephah as a measure of grain and provides insight into the daily life and labor of individuals in ancient Israel.

Another significant measure is the "homer," which is a larger unit, equivalent to ten ephahs. The prophet Ezekiel refers to the homer in the context of offerings: "The ephah and the bath shall be the same quantity, so that the bath will contain a tenth of a homer, and the ephah a tenth of a homer; their measurement shall be according to the homer" (Ezekiel 45:11). This passage underscores the importance of standardized measures in religious and economic activities.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The corn-measure was not only a practical tool but also held cultural and religious significance. Accurate measures were essential for fair trade and were a reflection of justice and righteousness. The Bible emphasizes the importance of honest measures, as seen in Leviticus 19:35-36: "You must not use dishonest measures of length, weight, or volume. You shall maintain just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin" . This commandment reflects the broader biblical principle of integrity in all aspects of life.

In addition to its role in commerce, the corn-measure was significant in religious offerings and tithes. The Israelites were commanded to bring a portion of their harvest as an offering to the Lord, and precise measures ensured that these offerings were made correctly. The prophet Amos condemns those who exploit measures for personal gain: "You who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, asking, 'When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? And the Sabbath, that we may market wheat? We can reduce the ephah, increase the shekel, and cheat with dishonest scales'" (Amos 8:4-5). This passage highlights the moral and ethical dimensions associated with the use of corn-measures.

Conclusion

The corn-measure in biblical times was a vital component of daily life, serving both practical and symbolic purposes. It facilitated trade, ensured fair dealings, and played a role in religious observances. The biblical emphasis on honest measures reflects the broader themes of justice and righteousness that permeate the Scriptures.

Chapter: 4:21-25 Lamp and Stand
... possibly be due, as men have argued, to the simple conditions of life among the
Hebrew peasantry, who possessed only one lamp, one corn-measure, and perhaps ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 4 21-25 lamp and stand.htm

The Invasion of Greece and the Battle of Marathon.
... She hastily hid the babe in a corn measure; and the conspirators, after looking
in every part of the house in vain, gave up the search, supposing that their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/abbott/darius the great/chapter xi the invasion of.htm

Corn-measure (1 Occurrence)
Corn-measure. Cornices, Corn-measure. Corn-money . Multi-Version
Concordance Corn-measure (1 Occurrence). Luke 11:33 ...
/c/corn-measure.htm - 6k

Lamp-stand (17 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:33 But no one having lit a lamp sets it in secret, nor under the corn-measure,
but on the lamp-stand, that they who enter in may see the light. ...
/l/lamp-stand.htm - 11k

Corn-money (1 Occurrence)
Corn-money. Corn-measure, Corn-money. Coronation . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(YLT). Corn-measure, Corn-money. Coronation . Reference Bible.
/c/corn-money.htm - 6k

Cornices (1 Occurrence)

/c/cornices.htm - 6k

Sets (80 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Luke 11:33 But no one having lit a lamp sets it in secret, nor under the
corn-measure, but on the lamp-stand, that they who enter in may see the light. ...
/s/sets.htm - 29k

Measure (269 Occurrences)
... Luke 11:33 But no one having lit a lamp sets it in secret, nor under the corn-measure,
but on the lamp-stand, that they who enter in may see the light. ...
/m/measure.htm - 45k

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