from חָזָה; the breast (as most seen in front); breast.
Transliteration:châzeh
Pronunciation:khaw-zeh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma חָזֶה (châzeh, `{{H2373}}`) denotes the "breast" or "chest." It is derived from the verbal root חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), which means "to see, behold, gaze." This etymological connection is insightful, suggesting that חָזֶה refers to the part of the body that is most prominently "seen" or "beheld" from the front. Its semantic range is remarkably narrow, consistently referring to this specific anatomical region of an animal, particularly within the context of sacrificial offerings. Unlike some other biblical terms for body parts, חָזֶה does not typically extend into broader metaphorical or figurative meanings beyond its literal sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of חָזֶה (châzeh) in the Hebrew Bible are almost exclusively found within the priestly legislation concerning sacrificial rituals, particularly in the books of Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. It consistently refers to the breast of an animal offered as a sacrifice, primarily the peace offering (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים, zevach shelamim).
Key contexts include:
* **Priestly Portion:** The חָזֶה was specifically designated as a portion for Aaron and his sons, the priests. For instance, in [[Exodus 29:26]], Moses takes the breast of the ram of ordination and waves it as a wave offering for Aaron.
* **Wave Offering:** The breast was typically presented as a "wave offering" (תְּנוּפָה, tenuphah, `{{H8573}}`). This ritual act involved moving the offering back and forth before the Lord, symbolizing its presentation to God and its subsequent return as a sacred portion for the priests. [[Leviticus 7:30-31]] explicitly states that the one bringing a peace offering must bring the fat and the breast, the latter being waved and then belonging to the priest.
* **Sustenance for Priests:** The breast, along with the right thigh (often the "heave offering," תְּרוּמָה, terumah, `{{H8641}}`), served as a means of sustenance for the priestly families, provided through the offerings of the people. [[Leviticus 10:14-15]] commands Aaron's sons to eat the breast of the wave offering and the thigh of the contribution as their due.
* **Nazirite Vow:** The חָזֶה also appears in the context of the Nazirite vow, where the priest waves the breast and the thigh as part of the offering upon the completion of the vow ([[Numbers 6:20]]).
The consistent ritualistic context underscores the sacred rather than mundane usage of חָזֶה in the biblical text, highlighting its role in the divinely ordained system of worship and provision.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Verb:** The foundational connection to חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), "to see, behold," provides etymological insight into the visual prominence of the breast.
* **Associated Body Parts:** The חָזֶה is almost invariably mentioned alongside the שׁוֹק (shoq, `{{H7785}}`), the "thigh" or "leg," which was often designated as the "heave offering" and also given to the priests. This pairing of the breast and thigh is characteristic of priestly portions from peace offerings.
* **Sacrificial Terminology:**
* זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים (zevach shelamim, `{{H2077}}`, `{{H7965}}`): "Peace offering," the primary sacrificial context for the חָזֶה. These offerings were characterized by fellowship and shared consumption.
* תְּנוּפָה (tenuphah, `{{H8573}}`): "Wave offering," the specific ritual involving the breast.
* תְּרוּמָה (terumah, `{{H8641}}`): "Heave offering," often associated with the thigh, complementing the wave offering.
* **Priestly Dues:** The concept of "priestly portions" or "dues" (e.g., [[Leviticus 7:30-34]]) is central to understanding the significance of the חָזֶה.
### Theological Significance
The designation of the חָזֶה (châzeh) as a specific priestly portion within the sacrificial system carries profound theological weight. The peace offering, from which the breast was taken, was unique among offerings as it involved a shared meal, symbolizing fellowship between God, the offerer, and the priest.
1. **Divine Provision for Ministry:** The allocation of the breast to the priests underscored God's faithful provision for those who ministered in His sanctuary. It was a tangible sign of their dependence on the Lord, who ordained their sustenance through the offerings of the people. This highlights the principle that those who serve the altar should live from the altar ([[1 Corinthians 9:13]]).
2. **Sacred Distinction:** The breast, often considered a prime cut and associated with the vital organs and breath, represented a significant portion of the animal. Its dedication through the "wave offering" ritual distinguished it as holy, set apart for God's chosen servants. This reinforces the sanctity of the priesthood and their unique covenantal relationship with the Lord.
3. **Symbolism of Life and Dedication:** While not explicitly stated, the breast, covering the heart and lungs, could symbolically represent the life or essence of the animal. Its presentation to God and then back to the priest could signify a complete dedication of life to God, with a holy portion returned for the sustenance of His representatives. The waving motion might also symbolize the offering's acceptance by God and His blessing extended across the community.
### Summary
The Hebrew word חָזֶה (châzeh, `{{H2373}}`) literally signifies the "breast" or "chest," deriving from the root חָזָה (chazah, `{{H2372}}`), "to see," implying its visual prominence. In the biblical narrative, its usage is almost exclusively confined to the ritualistic context of the Mosaic Law, particularly concerning sacrificial offerings. The חָזֶה was a specific portion of the peace offering, designated as a "wave offering" (תְּנוּפָה, `{{H8573}}`) and divinely allocated to the Aaronic priesthood. This allocation served as a vital means of sustenance for the priests and symbolized God's faithful provision for those dedicated to His service. The theological significance of the חָזֶה lies in its representation of divine provision, the sacred distinction of the priesthood, and the communal fellowship inherent in the peace offering, underscoring the ordered and holy nature of Israel's worship.
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