apparently feminine passive causative participle of רָאָה; something conspicuous, i.e. the craw of abird (from its prominence); crop.
Transliteration:murʼâh
Pronunciation:moor-aw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word מֻרְאָה (murʼâh, `{{H4760}}`) is a rare term, appearing only twice in the Hebrew Bible. It is derived from the root רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`), meaning "to see" or "to behold." The form מֻרְאָה is understood as a feminine passive causative participle, thus conveying the sense of "that which is caused to be seen" or "that which is made conspicuous." In its specific application, it refers to the "crop" or "craw" of a bird. This anatomical feature is prominent and visible, serving as a pouch in the bird's esophagus for storing and softening food before digestion. The definition emphasizes its "prominence" as the basis for its nomenclature, highlighting its readily observable nature. Its semantic range is therefore quite narrow, specifically denoting this part of a bird's digestive system, often with the implication of its contents.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מֻרְאָה (murʼâh, `{{H4760}}`) occurs exclusively in [[Leviticus 1:16]], where it is repeated for emphasis within the same verse. This passage details the regulations for the burnt offering (עוֹלָה, olah, `{{H5930}}`) when it consists of birds, specifically turtledoves or young pigeons. The text states:
> "And he shall remove its crop with its contents and cast it beside the altar on the east side, in the place for the ashes." [[Leviticus 1:16]]
The instruction is precise: the priest is to remove the bird's crop (מֻרְאָה) along with its "filth" or "contents" (בְּנֹצָתָהּ, b'notzatah, from נוֹצָה, notzah, meaning "feathers," but here understood as the undigested food and excrement within the crop). This impure part is then to be cast away to the ash-heap, a designated place for ritual refuse. The act of removal underscores the necessity of purity in all offerings presented to Yahweh. The crop, containing undigested food, represents that which is unclean or unprocessed, and therefore unfit for the sacred space of the altar. This meticulous detail highlights the stringent requirements for sacrificial purity, even for the most humble of offerings.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for מֻרְאָה (murʼâh, `{{H4760}}`) is its root, רָאָה (ra'ah, `{{H7200}}`), "to see." While the anatomical term itself does not directly convey "seeing," its etymological origin points to the crop's visible or conspicuous nature.
More broadly, this word is intrinsically tied to the lexicon of **Levitical sacrificial law**:
* **עוֹלָה (olah, `{{H5930}}`):** The burnt offering, the specific type of sacrifice in which the removal of the murʼâh is commanded. This offering was entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing complete dedication to God.
* **Purity and Impurity:** The removal of the murʼâh and its contents is a clear act of purification. It aligns with the broader Levitical emphasis on distinguishing between the holy and the common, the clean and the unclean (e.g., [[Leviticus 10:10]]). This concept is central to Israelite worship, ensuring that only that which is ritually pure is brought into God's presence.
* **אֵפֶר (epher, `{{H665}}`):** Ashes. The place where the murʼâh is discarded, signifying its status as refuse unfit for the altar.
* **Bird Offerings:** The murʼâh is specific to the offerings of turtledoves and young pigeons, which were often prescribed for those of lesser means who could not afford larger animals (e.g., [[Leviticus 5:7]]). Even in these humble offerings, the standard of purity remains absolute.
### Theological Significance
The specific instruction to remove the מֻרְאָה (murʼâh, `{{H4760}}`) from the bird offering, along with its contents, carries significant theological weight, particularly concerning the nature of worship and divine holiness.
1. **Divine Demand for Purity and Wholeness:** The removal of the crop, containing undigested or impure matter, underscores God's absolute demand for purity in all that is offered to Him. God is holy, and anything brought into His presence must reflect that holiness. The murʼâh represents the mundane, the unprocessed, and potentially the defiling elements that must be separated from the sacred. This detail teaches that genuine worship requires a meticulous purification of all that is presented to God, symbolizing an offering from a pure heart and life.
2. **Meticulousness in Worship:** The precision of the Levitical instructions, down to the removal of a bird's crop, highlights the importance of obedience and attention to detail in approaching God. It conveys that worship is not a casual endeavor but a sacred act demanding careful adherence to divine commands. Every aspect of the offering, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, matters to God.
3. **Holiness of God and Separation from Impurity:** The act of discarding the murʼâh to the ash-heap reinforces the radical separation between God's holiness and human impurity. Nothing that defiles or is incomplete can be offered to a perfectly holy God. This principle pervades the entire sacrificial system, emphasizing the chasm between human sinfulness and divine perfection, and the means by which that gap is ritually bridged.
4. **Inclusivity of Purity Standards:** Even for the bird offering, often the sacrifice of the poor, the same rigorous standards of purity apply. This demonstrates that God's demand for holiness is universal and does not diminish based on the economic status of the worshiper or the perceived value of the offering. All who approach God must do so with the utmost reverence and adherence to His holy requirements.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מֻרְאָה (murʼâh, `{{H4760}}`) refers to the "crop" or "craw" of a bird, a prominent anatomical feature derived from a root meaning "to see." Its two occurrences in [[Leviticus 1:16]] are within the context of the bird burnt offering, where the priest is commanded to remove the murʼâh and its impure contents before the sacrifice. This seemingly minor detail carries profound theological significance, emphasizing God's absolute demand for purity and wholeness in worship. The removal of the murʼâh symbolizes the separation of all impure, unprocessed, or defiling elements from what is offered to a holy God. It underscores the meticulousness required in approaching the divine and reinforces the universal standard of holiness applicable to all offerings, regardless of their size or cost.
TRV