### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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.
### Related Words & Concepts
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]].
### Theological Significance
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.
### Summary
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