ephah: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowHistorical / Biblical / Technical
Quick answer
What does “ephah” mean?
An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure.
A specific volume measure used in Biblical and historical contexts for grains and other dry goods. Often used figuratively to denote a measure or portion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No discernible difference in usage. The term is equally archaic and specialised in both varieties.
Connotations
Scholarly, historical, or religious.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both. Frequency would be identical, confined to specific religious or academic texts.
Grammar
How to Use “ephah” in a Sentence
[VERB] + ephah + of + [NOUN (grain, flour)][DETERMINER] + ephah + [VERB]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in historical, archaeological, and theological papers discussing ancient economies and Biblical texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in specific contexts of historical metrology or Biblical studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ephah”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ephah”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ephah”
- Pronouncing the final 'h' (it is silent).
- Using it to refer to a modern measurement.
- Spelling it as 'epha' or 'efa'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an ancient historical unit and is not part of any modern measurement system.
It is generally estimated to be about 22 litres or roughly a bushel, but exact ancient standards are uncertain.
It would be highly unusual and likely confusing, as it is an obscure historical term. Use 'bushel' or 'measure' instead for modern equivalents.
It follows typical English transliteration from Hebrew, where initial 'e' is long and the final 'h' is silent, similar to words like 'Sarah'.
An ancient Hebrew unit of dry measure.
Ephah is usually historical / biblical / technical in register.
Ephah: in British English it is pronounced /ˈiːfə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈiːfə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a just ephah and a just hin (Biblical: fair measures)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Eve' pouring an EPHod of flour into an EPHah measure.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MEASURE OF JUDGMENT OR PROVISION (from Biblical usage where just/unjust measures are symbolic).
Practice
Quiz
In what context is the word 'ephah' primarily used today?