### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻărîyçâh**, represented by `{{H6182}}`, refers to **meal** or **dough**. It appears **4 times** in **4 unique verses**, where it consistently signifies a specific portion of dough set apart as a sacred offering. It is not just a food staple, but an element of worship and provision within the Israelite legal and religious system.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H6182}}` is always presented in the context of a religious contribution. It is commanded that the "first of your **dough**" be offered up as a **heave offering** `{{H8641}}`, parallel to the offering from the **threshingfloor** `{{H1637}}` [[Numbers 15:20]]. This act was to be a perpetual practice throughout their **generations** `{{H1755}}` as an offering to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Numbers 15:21]]. Nehemiah lists the bringing of the **firstfruits** `{{H7225}}` of the **dough** as a core part of the people's covenant to support the **priests** `{{H3548}}` and the service of the **house** `{{H1004}}` of **God** `{{H430}}` [[Nehemiah 10:37]]. This act of giving was linked to a divine promise: by giving the first of the **dough** to the priest, a **blessing** `{{H1293}}` would **rest** `{{H5117}}` upon the giver's house [[Ezekiel 44:30]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the role and context of `{{H6182}}`:
* `{{H8641}}` **tᵉrûwmâh** (a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute): This word is used in three of the four occurrences to define the offering of **dough** `{{H6182}}` as a sacred gift or heave offering, setting it apart from common use [[Numbers 15:20]].
* `{{H7225}}` **rêʼshîyth** (the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)): This term consistently qualifies **dough** `{{H6182}}`, indicating that it is always the very first portion that must be given, establishing the principle of offering the first and best [[Ezekiel 44:30]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (literally one officiating, a priest): The **priest** is designated as the recipient of the **dough** offering, highlighting its function as a means of support for those dedicated to ministering before God [[Nehemiah 10:37]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6182}}` is centered on the practice of giving and worship.
* **The Principle of Firstfruits:** The offering of **dough** is a tangible expression of honoring God with the first part of one's provisions, acknowledging Him as the source of all sustenance [[Numbers 15:21]].
* **Provision for the Priesthood:** This specific offering was part of God's prescribed system to sustain the **priests** `{{H3548}}` and **Levites** `{{H3881}}`, who were consecrated to full-time religious **service** `{{H5656}}` and did not have the same means of production as other tribes [[Nehemiah 10:37]].
* **Obedience and Blessing:** Scripture directly connects the act of giving the first of the **dough** `{{H6182}}` to the promise of a **blessing** `{{H1293}}` resting upon the household, illustrating that obedience in giving is a conduit for divine favor [[Ezekiel 44:30]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6182}}` is far more than simple **dough**. It is a consecrated offering that embodies key biblical principles of worship. As a **heave offering** `{{H8641}}` from the **first** `{{H7225}}` of one's produce, it represents a foundational act of faith, providing for God's ministers and inviting His blessing upon the home.
TRV