Log
“A deep cavity or basin”
Summary
The smallest Hebrew liquid measure, containing approximately one pint, or about one-twelfth of a hin, used exclusively in Leviticus for measuring the oil in cleansing rituals for lepers.
☩Definition and Use
The log (Hebrew log, meaning 'deepened' or 'hollowed out') was the smallest liquid measure among the Hebrews. According to the rabbinical calculations, it equaled one-twelfth of a hin, or the volume of six eggs—approximately one pint by modern measurement. Josephus calculated it at about .1204 of a gallon, while the rabbinists estimated .0615 of a gallon. The log appears exclusively in Leviticus 14 in connection with the cleansing ritual for healed lepers, where a log of oil was required along with other offerings (Leviticus 14:10, 12, 15, 21, 24). The priest would dip his finger in the oil and sprinkle it before the Lord, then apply the remaining oil to the healed person's right ear, thumb, toe, and head.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Log," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Log," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Log," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).