The Hebrew word châzeh, represented by H2373, refers specifically to the breast. It appears 13 times across 12 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from a root meaning to see, its base definition describes the breast as the part "most seen in front." Its usage is exclusively tied to the system of sacrificial offerings, where it represents a specific, consecrated portion.
In the biblical narrative, H2373 is consistently found within the laws of Levitical sacrifice. It is the designated portion for Aaron H175 and his sons H1121, the priests, taken from the peace offerings H8002 of the children of Israel H3478 Leviticus 7:34. This portion is sanctified H6942 through a specific ritual act: being waved H5130 as a wave offering H8573 before H6440 the LORD H3068 Exodus 29:27. The breast is often presented along with the fat H2459 of the offering H801, which is then burned H6999 on the altar H4196, while the breast itself becomes the priest's H3548 Leviticus 7:31. This process is part of a statute H2706 for ever H5769 as commanded H6680 by the LORD Leviticus 10:15.
Several related words expand upon the ritual context of the breast:
- H7785 shôwq (shoulder): This term for the shoulder is almost always mentioned in conjunction with the breast. The "wave breast" and the "heave shoulder" together constitute the portions given to the priests from the peace offerings Leviticus 7:34.
- H8573 tᵉnûwphâh (wave offering): This word defines the ceremonial action associated with the breast. The châzeh is presented as a "wave offering," an act of official undulation before the LORD, which consecrates it for the priests Exodus 29:27.
- H3548 kôhên (priest): The breast is the portion designated for the priest. After the ritual waving, the breast is given to Aaron and his sons as their holy H6944 share of the sacrifice, establishing their provision Leviticus 7:31.
The theological significance of H2373 is deeply embedded in the worship and economy of ancient Israel.
- Divine Provision for Ministry: The allocation of the breast to Aaron H175 and his sons H1121 establishes a divine ordinance H2706 for the sustenance of the priesthood. It is their "due" H2706 given from the sacrifices of the people, ensuring those dedicated to serving are provided for Leviticus 10:14.
- Consecration and Sanctification: The breast is a key element in the "ram H352 of consecration H4394" Exodus 29:27. The act of waving it before the LORD H3068 is part of the process that sanctifies H6942 the priests for their holy office. Even Moses H4872 received the breast as his part H4490 of the consecration ram Leviticus 8:29.
- A Holy Portion: The breast is declared "holy H6944 for the priest" Numbers 6:20. After being waved before the LORD, it is set apart from common use. The priests and their families were to eat H398 this portion in a clean H2889 place H4725, highlighting its sacred status Leviticus 10:14.
In summary, H2373 châzeh transcends its simple definition as breast to become a symbol of divine order in worship. It is a specific, sanctified part of the wave offering, representing God's ordained provision for His priests. The journey of the breast—from the worshipper's offering, waved H5130 in dedication before the LORD H3068, to the table of the priest's H3548 family—illustrates a complete cycle of worship, provision, and consecration. It is a cornerstone of the sacrificial system, defining a key relationship between the people, the priesthood, and God.
TRV