from an unused root meaning to comminute; meal; dough.
Transliteration:ʻărîyçâh
Pronunciation:ar-ee-saw'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word H6182, עֲרִיסָה (ʻărîyçâh), is derived from an unused root that conveys the meaning "to comminute," which signifies the act of reducing something to fine particles, typically through grinding or pulverizing. This etymological root directly informs its primary semantic range: "meal" (ground grain, flour) and "dough." As "meal," it refers to the processed form of grain ready for mixing. As "dough," it denotes the mixture of meal or flour with liquid, prepared for baking but not yet baked. Thus, ʻărîyçâh occupies a crucial intermediate stage in the preparation of staple food, representing the raw material from which bread is formed. It is distinct from the unground grain and also from the finished product, bread.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻărîyçâh appears infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, but its few occurrences are highly significant, primarily within the context of ritual offerings.
* **Numbers 15:20-21**: Here, ʻărîyçâh is central to a specific law concerning offerings from the harvest.
* [[Numbers 15:20]]: "Of the first of your dough you shall present a contribution as an offering from the threshing floor, so you shall present it."
* [[Numbers 15:21]]: "Of the first of your dough you shall give to the Lord a contribution throughout your generations."
In this context, ʻărîyçâh unequivocally refers to "dough." The command specifies that the "first" portion of the dough (`{{H7225}}` - re'shith) is to be set aside as a "contribution" or "heave offering" (`{{H8641}}` - terumah) to the Lord. This offering is mandated to be given from the threshing floor, emphasizing its connection to the initial processing of grain after harvest. This law establishes a principle of consecrating the firstfruits of sustenance to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership and provision.
* **Nehemiah 10:37**: This verse recounts the solemn covenant made by the returned exiles to uphold the Mosaic law, including various contributions to the Temple.
* [[Nehemiah 10:37]]: "And that we would bring the first of our dough, our contributions, the fruit of every tree, the new wine and the oil, to the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground to the Levites, for the Levites are to receive the tithes in all the cities of our service."
Again, ʻărîyçâh is translated as "dough" and is listed alongside other firstfruits (fruit, new wine, oil) and tithes. The people commit to bringing these offerings to support the priests and Levites who served in the house of God. This occurrence demonstrates the enduring importance of this particular offering throughout Israelite history, signifying the people's renewed commitment to God's covenant and the maintenance of His worship.
Across these contexts, ʻărîyçâh consistently denotes a prepared food substance, specifically dough, that is designated for sacred purposes as a "firstfruits" offering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻărîyçâh connects it to several key biblical terms and concepts:
* **Grain and Flour:** As the raw material for ʻărîyçâh, words like `{{H1715}}` (dagan - grain, corn) and `{{H7058}}` (qemach - flour, meal) are intrinsically linked. ʻărîyçâh represents a processed form of these.
* **Bread:** The ultimate product of ʻărîyçâh is bread, represented by `{{H3899}}` (lechem), which often serves as a metonym for food in general. ʻărîyçâh is the essential precursor to bread.
* **Offerings and Firstfruits:** The most significant conceptual links are to the laws of offerings. ʻărîyçâh is explicitly designated as a "contribution" or "heave offering" (`{{H8641}}` - terumah) and is always mentioned as the "first" (`{{H7225}}` - re'shith) of its kind. This connects it to the broader biblical concept of firstfruits (`{{H7225}}`), signifying the dedication of the initial and best portion of one's produce to God.
* **Preparation and Labor:** The root meaning "to comminute" implies the labor involved in grinding grain. This connects to verbs like `{{H2912}}` (tachan - to grind), highlighting the human effort that transforms raw material into sustenance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻărîyçâh is profound, despite its limited occurrences:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** The command to offer the "first of your dough" fundamentally underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation and His role as the ultimate provider of sustenance. By dedicating the initial portion of their daily bread, the Israelites acknowledged that their food, their labor, and their very existence were gifts from Yahweh. This act of offering transformed a mundane agricultural product into a sacred symbol of dependence and gratitude.
* **Sanctification of the Whole:** A key theological principle associated with firstfruits offerings, including the dough, is the idea that the consecration of a part sanctifies the whole. As articulated later in [[Romans 11:16]] ("If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole lump"), offering the first portion rendered the entire batch of dough, and by extension the entire harvest, acceptable and blessed in God's sight. This teaches that acknowledging God in the "first" extends His blessing and holiness over the "rest" of one's life and possessions.
* **Covenant Fidelity and Obedience:** The inclusion of the ʻărîyçâh offering within the Mosaic Law and its reaffirmation in Nehemiah highlights its role as a tangible expression of covenant fidelity. Obedience in bringing these offerings was an act of loyalty to God's commands and a practical means of supporting the priestly and Levitical service, which was essential for the maintenance of Israel's worship life. Neglecting these offerings was a sign of spiritual decline and a breach of covenant.
* **Elevation of the Mundane:** ʻărîyçâh, representing the basic staple of daily bread, demonstrates how God elevates the ordinary aspects of life into acts of worship. The preparation of food, a daily necessity, became an opportunity for communion with God and a reminder of His constant care and provision for His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6182, עֲרִיסָה (ʻărîyçâh), refers to "meal" or, more commonly in its biblical usage, "dough." Derived from a root meaning "to comminute," it signifies the processed form of grain ready for baking. Its primary biblical occurrences in [[Numbers 15:20-21]] and [[Nehemiah 10:37]] consistently refer to the "first of your dough" as a mandatory heave offering to the Lord. This practice carries profound theological weight, symbolizing Israel's recognition of God as the ultimate provider of all sustenance and their dependence upon Him. The offering of ʻărîyçâh also embodies the principle that the consecration of the first portion sanctifies the entire batch, extending God's blessing over the whole. Furthermore, it served as a tangible act of covenant obedience and fidelity, supporting the divine economy and elevating the daily act of preparing food into an act of worship and gratitude. ʻărîyçâh thus represents not merely a foodstuff, but a powerful theological symbol of divine provision, sanctification, and covenant relationship.
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