Leviticus 5:11 · measurement explained
One tenth ephah of fine flour
The law provides a flour offering for someone who cannot afford the birds described in the preceding option.
Read the verse first
“ ‘But if he can’t afford two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he shall bring as his offering for that in which he has sinned, one tenth of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, and he shall not put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering.
World English Bible · engwebp-source-2026-09-12
Modern measurement range
One tenth ephah
2.1–2.3 L
2.22–2.43 US qt · 1.85–2.02 Imp qt
Using the ephah estimate. Ancient jars and regional standards differ. Litres express capacity, not the weight of grain or flour placed in that capacity.
Calculate another amount →The capacity conversion clarifies the portion while the passage's larger point is provision for a worshipper with limited means.
What this conversion does—and does not—show
It gives a defensible modern scale for the amount stated in the verse. Ancient standards varied by time and place, so the endpoints are deliberately approximate. A volume is not a food mass, a metal weight is not a modern cash value, and a conversion does not settle a textual, archaeological, or theological debate.
Conversion references: ESV weights and measures ↗, American Bible Society ↗, and Encyclopedia of the Bible ↗. Reference pages accessed October 10, 2026.