from גָּזַר; something cut off; a portion; part, piece.
Transliteration:gezer
Pronunciation:gheh'-zer
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term גֶּזֶר (transliterated as *gezer*, `{{H1506}}`) derives directly from the root גָּזַר (gazar, `{{H1504}}`), which primarily signifies "to cut, cut off, divide, separate, or determine." Consequently, gezer denotes "something cut off," "a portion," or a "piece." Its semantic range is quite narrow, emphasizing a distinct segment or part that has been separated or divided from a larger whole. The nuance is not merely of a generic part, but specifically a piece resulting from an act of cutting or division, often with a sense of precision or intentionality implied by its root.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word גֶּזֶר (gezer, `{{H1506}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in [[Leviticus 8:21]]. This singular occurrence is within the detailed description of the consecration of Aaron and his sons to the priesthood, specifically concerning the burnt offering:
"And he washed the inwards and the legs with water; and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt offering for a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the LORD, as the LORD had commanded Moses." [[Leviticus 8:21]]
In this context, gezer is translated as "parts" or "pieces" (e.g., KJV, ESV, NASB). The ram, designated as a "burnt offering" (עֹלָה - olah), was to be meticulously prepared. After being flayed and cut into its specified "pieces" (gezer), the internal organs and legs were washed, and the entire offering was then consumed by fire on the altar. The use of gezer here underscores the precise division of the sacrificial animal, an act that was not arbitrary but followed divine command, essential for the proper execution of the ritual. This highlights the meticulous nature of the Mosaic cultic instructions, where every gezer contributed to the integrity of the "whole burnt offering."
### Related Words & Concepts
The most immediate and significant related word is גָּזַר (gazar, `{{H1504}}`), the verbal root from which gezer derives. Gazar carries the broader meaning of "to cut, cut off, divide," and also "to determine" or "decree," indicating a decisive separation or a fixed outcome. This connection reinforces the idea that the "pieces" of the sacrifice are not random but are the result of an intentional and prescribed division.
Other related terms in the context of sacrificial preparation include:
* נֶתַח (netach, `{{H5409}}`): Also meaning "piece" or "cut piece," frequently used in Leviticus to describe the divided portions of sacrificial animals (e.g., [[Leviticus 1:6]], [[Leviticus 1:12]]). While netach is more common, gezer emphasizes the *act* of cutting that produces the piece.
* בָּתַר (batar, `{{H1337}}`): A verb meaning "to cut in pieces," notably used in the covenant ceremony in [[Genesis 15:10]], where animals were "cut in two" to form a passage for the covenant parties. This highlights the ritualistic significance of cutting and dividing.
* חֵלֶק (cheleq, `{{H2506}}`): Meaning "portion" or "share," often referring to an inheritance or allotted part, but can also denote a physical portion. While broader, it shares the concept of a divided share.
Conceptually, gezer is intrinsically linked to the theological principles of separation, dedication, and wholeness in the context of ritual purity and acceptable worship.
### Theological Significance
Despite its singular occurrence, the theological significance of גֶּזֶר (gezer, `{{H1506}}`) is profound within the framework of the Levitical sacrificial system. Its use in [[Leviticus 8:21]] underscores several key theological insights:
1. **Divine Precision and Order:** The very existence of "pieces" (gezer) implies that the sacrificial animal was not offered haphazardly but was meticulously prepared according to divine specifications. This speaks to God's demand for order, precision, and adherence to His commands in worship. Every detail, even the division into parts, was significant and commanded by the LORD.
2. **Completeness of the Offering:** The ram was a "whole burnt offering" (עֹלָה). Even though it was cut into "pieces" (gezer), these pieces collectively constituted the *entirety* of the offering, which was then wholly consumed by fire. This symbolizes complete dedication, surrender, and atonement. The individual parts contribute to the perfect whole.
3. **Sacred Separation:** The act of cutting (gazar) to create the gezer can be seen as a physical manifestation of separation – separating the animal from common use and dedicating it entirely to God. This reflects the broader principle of holiness, where something is set apart for sacred purposes.
4. **Atonement and Pleasing Aroma:** The burnt offering, composed of these gezer pieces, ascended as a "pleasing aroma" to the LORD, signifying divine acceptance and efficacy for atonement. The meticulous preparation, including the cutting into gezer, was integral to the offering's acceptance.
### Summary
The Hebrew word גֶּזֶר (gezer, `{{H1506}}`) denotes "something cut off," a "portion," or a "piece," directly derived from the root גָּזַר (gazar, `{{H1504}}`) meaning "to cut" or "divide." Though appearing only once in the biblical text in [[Leviticus 8:21]], its singular use is highly significant. It describes the precisely divided "pieces" of the ram prepared for the burnt offering during the consecration of Aaron and his sons. This highlights the meticulous nature of God's commands regarding ritual sacrifice, emphasizing divine precision, the complete dedication symbolized by the "whole burnt offering" composed of these gezer pieces, and the sacred separation inherent in offerings made to a holy God. Gezer thus serves as a subtle yet powerful reminder of the order, intentionality, and completeness required in approaching the Divine.
TRV