Log (unit) explained

A log is a biblical and halakhic unit of liquid volume. The word log occurs in the Bible, in Lev. 14:10, 15, 21 which prescribes the korban (asham, "guilt-offering") of a poor metzorah:

ואם דל הוא ואין ידו משגת ולקח כבש אחד אשם לתנופה לכפר עליו ועשרון סלת אחד בלול בשמן למנחה ולג שמן

And if he be poor, and his means suffice not, then he shall take one he-lamb for a guilt-offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, and one tenth part of an ephah of fine flour mingled with oil for a meal-offering, and a log of oil;

Unit definition, conversion, mnemonics and supports

The Talmud, citing the gematria of an extra scriptural word ZeH "this," which equals twelve (seven plus five), explains that one hin is twelve log:

The Gemara elaborates: Now, one hin is twelve log, as it is written: “And of olive oil a hin” (Exodus 30:24), and it is written afterward in the same verse: “Sacred anointing oil, this [''zeh''] shall be for Me, throughout your generations.” The numerical value [gematria] of zeh is twelve.^[1]

The Mishnah immediately preceding, which this Gemara comes to explain, states that a half-hin is six log. Thus a hin is twelve log.^[1]

A list of conversions follows:

• 1 hin = 12 logs
• 1 log = 6 Beitzah (egg)^[2]

See also

• Biblical and Talmudic units of measurement

Notes and References

1. Web site: Menachot 89a:16. www.sefaria.org.
2. Mishnah - with a Commentary of Moses ben Maimon (ed. Yosef Qafih), vol. 3, Mossad Harav Kook: Jerusalem 1967, s.v. Introduction to Tractate Menahoth, p. 67 (Hebrew); a log has the capacity of six eggs. A hin is the equivalent of 12 logs.