What is an Omer in the Bible
Quick Summary
An omer in the Bible is a small Hebrew dry measure equal to one tenth of an ephah. In modern terms an omer is roughly two liters. The omer appears in stories about manna, worship, and community practice.
Introduction
The Bible’s measurement system touches ordinary life as well as worship. The omer is one of the smaller dry measures in ancient Israel. When Scripture speaks about collecting manna in the wilderness or preparing offerings for the Tabernacle, the omer gives modern readers a sense of scale.
Although it is not as large or as well-known as the ephah or the homer, the omer is essential for understanding passages about provision, gathering, and daily reliance on God.
What Is an Omer?
The omer is a dry measure used for quantities of grain or flour. According to Exodus 16:36 an omer is one tenth of an ephah. Using the common estimate that an ephah equals about twenty two liters, an omer is approximately two liters.
The word “omer” also appears in agricultural contexts, particularly in reference to grain at harvest time.
The Omer in Scripture
The Manna in the Wilderness
The most familiar reference to the omer occurs in Exodus 16:16 to 18. Each person gathering manna in the wilderness collected an omer for the day. The passage emphasizes God’s daily provision and the trust required to rely on fresh manna rather than hoarding.
The Omer Kept for Generations
Exodus 16:33 to 34 instructs Moses to keep an omer of manna as a memorial. It was placed before the Lord as a lasting witness to God’s care. This preserved omer showed future generations how God fed the people in the wilderness.
Agricultural Use and Festivals
In Leviticus 23:10 to 11 Israel is commanded to bring the “sheaf” of the first fruits. The Hebrew word here is omer. It describes a bundle or measure of grain offered in gratitude to God at the beginning of the harvest.
The festival of First Fruits and the counting of the days between Passover and Pentecost also relate to this omer offering.
Daily Life and Worship
The omer reflects the practical side of life in ancient Israel. It measured flour for baking, grain for offerings, and manna for daily meals. By using a consistent standard, families and worshipers could prepare with accuracy and fairness.
Theologically the omer carries themes of daily trust and generosity. The measurement reminds readers that God provided exactly what the people needed each day in the wilderness.
Why the Omer Matters for Biblical Interpretation
The omer helps readers connect physical measurements to spiritual lessons. It grounds the story of manna in ordinary terms, showing how God met the people’s needs with a specific daily allotment.
Understanding the omer also enriches the agricultural language of Scripture. It clarifies festival observances, first fruits offerings, and the rhythms of planting and harvest.
FAQs
How much is an omer today?
About two liters, based on the estimate that one omer equals one tenth of an ephah.
What was an omer made of?
The omer was a measure, not a container, but containers used for measurement were often made of clay or carved wood.
Why did God limit manna to one omer per person?
The daily measure taught trust and discouraged hoarding. Each person received enough for the day.
Is the omer mentioned in the New Testament?
The term does not appear directly in the New Testament, though the themes of daily provision and first fruits continue.
How did the omer relate to the ephah?
One omer equals one tenth of an ephah.
See Also
• Bible Measurement Converter Tool
