The Hebrew word murʼâh, represented by H4760, refers to the crop of a bird. Its base definition describes something conspicuous, like the craw of a bird, due to its prominence. This specific term appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, tying its meaning exclusively to the context of sacrificial law.
The sole appearance of H4760 is in the detailed instructions for a burnt offering. Leviticus 1:16 commands the priest, "And he shall pluck away his crop with his feathers, and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes." In this context, the crop is a part of the bird that must be removed and discarded as part of the ritual preparation, highlighting its distinct role from the parts of the animal to be offered on the altar.
Several related words in its only verse of use help define its function within the sacrificial system:
- H5493 çûwr (to turn off (literal or figurative)): This is the action verb used to "pluck away" the crop, indicating a deliberate removal and separation Leviticus 1:16. This word is also used figuratively for taking away sickness Exodus 23:25 or a stony heart Ezekiel 36:26.
- H5133 nôwtsâh (a pinion (or wing feather); often (collectively) plumage): This word is directly paired with the crop, as the priest is to remove "his crop with his feathers" Leviticus 1:16. It is also used to describe the plumage of great eagles Ezekiel 17:3.
- H7993 shâlak (to throw out, down or away): This describes the disposal of the crop after it is removed. The priest must "cast" it away Leviticus 1:16. The term is used elsewhere for casting a burden on the LORD Psalms 55:22 or casting sins into the sea Micah 7:19.
- H1880 deshen (the fat; ... specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices): This defines the destination of the discarded crop, which is cast into "the place of the ashes" Leviticus 1:16. While it denotes the fatty ashes of sacrifice here, it is also used figuratively for abundance and satisfaction Psalms 65:11.
Though a minor detail, the treatment of H4760 carries procedural and symbolic weight within the laws of sacrifice.
- Ritual Separation: The specific instruction to "pluck away" H5493 the crop H4760 demonstrates a clear principle of separation. Certain parts of the offering were not fit for the altar and had to be removed before the sacrifice was completed.
- Designated Disposal: The crop is not merely discarded but is "cast" H7993 into a specific location—"the place of the ashes" H1880. This underscores that even the disposal of an animal's parts was governed by ritual procedure.
- Holiness and Purity: The removal of the crop, an internal organ associated with the bird's initial consumption of food, can be seen as an act of purifying the offering to make it acceptable for a holy God.
In summary, H4760 is a precise anatomical term whose significance is entirely derived from its single use in Leviticus 1:16. It is not a broad theological word but a key detail in the instructions for burnt offerings. Its importance lies in its role within the ritual act, illustrating the biblical principles of separation, purity, and the meticulous nature of the sacrificial system required for approaching God.
TRV