### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻômer**, represented by `{{H6016}}`, has a dual meaning, signifying a **sheaf** of grain and an **omer**, a specific dry measure. It appears 14 times in 14 unique verses, linking concepts of agricultural harvest, divine provision, and ceremonial worship. The word represents both a tangible product of the land and a standardized measure of God's miraculous sustenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H6016}}` appears in two primary contexts. First, as a **sheaf**, it is central to the laws of harvest and offering. The Israelites were commanded to bring a **sheaf** of the firstfruits of their harvest to the priest as an offering [[Leviticus 23:10]]. This **sheaf** was then waved before the LORD for acceptance [[Leviticus 23:11]]. The term also appears in laws concerning care for the poor, where a forgotten **sheaf** in the field was to be left for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow [[Deuteronomy 24:19]]. Second, as an **omer**, it is the specified measure for the manna God provided in the wilderness. Each person was to gather one **omer** daily [[Exodus 16:16]], and miraculously, this measure proved to be the exact amount needed, with no one having too much or too little [[Exodus 16:18]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the agricultural and providential contexts of **ʻômer**:
* `{{H7114}}` **qâtsar** (to dock off... harvest): This root describes the act of cutting down the harvest, directly producing the **sheaf** that is gathered or, in some cases, forgotten in the field [[Deuteronomy 24:19]].
* `{{H3950}}` **lâqaṭ** (to pick up... gather; specifically, to glean): This action is used for both gathering the daily **omer** of manna [[Exodus 16:16]] and for gleaning among the **sheaves** in the field, as Ruth did [[Ruth 2:7]].
* `{{H4058}}` **mâdad** (to stretch; by implication, to measure): This word describes the act of measuring the gathered manna with an **omer**, demonstrating God's precise provision [[Exodus 16:18]].
* `{{H5130}}` **nûwph** (to quiver... wave): This is the ceremonial action performed with the **sheaf** of firstfruits, which was waved before the LORD as a special offering ([[Leviticus 23:11]], [[Leviticus 23:12]]).
* `{{H2637}}` **châçêr** (to lack; by implication, to fail, want, lessen): This word confirms the miracle of the manna, stating that after measuring by the **omer**, those who gathered little had no **lack** [[Exodus 16:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6016}}` is demonstrated through its various applications:
* **Divine Sufficiency:** The **omer** as a measure of manna illustrates God's perfect provision. He commanded a specific amount to be gathered, and it met each person's needs exactly, teaching reliance on His daily sustenance [[Exodus 16:18]].
* **Firstfruits and Consecration:** The **sheaf** of the firstfruits represents the dedication of the entire harvest to God. By bringing this first portion to the priest to be waved before the LORD, the Israelites acknowledged Him as the source of their bounty [[Leviticus 23:10-11]].
* **Memorial of Faithfulness:** God commanded that an **omer** full of manna be kept in a pot for future generations. This was to serve as a perpetual reminder of how He provided **bread** for them when He brought them out of Egypt [[Exodus 16:32-33]].
* **Justice and Compassion:** The law of the forgotten **sheaf** embeds social responsibility into the act of harvesting. Leaving a **sheaf** for the poor was not merely an act of charity but a divine command tied to receiving God's blessing [[Deuteronomy 24:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6016}}` is a word that connects God's provision in the wilderness with His provision from the promised land. Whether as a measure of miraculous manna or as a bundle of harvested grain, the **omer** or **sheaf** serves as a powerful symbol. It encompasses themes of perfect sufficiency, the sanctification of labor, remembrance of God's past actions, and the ethical requirement to care for the vulnerable, making it a cornerstone for understanding God's relationship with His people.
TRV