from נוּף; a brandishing (in threat); by implication, tumult; specifically, the official undulation of sacrificial offerings; offering, shaking, wave (offering).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **tᵉnûwphâh**, represented by `{{H8573}}`, signifies the **official undulation of sacrificial offerings**. It appears **30 times** across **28 unique verses** in the Bible. Derived from the verb 'to wave' `{{H5130}}`, its primary meaning is a wave offering, but it extends to the concepts of brandishing, shaking, or tumult.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H8573}}` is central to the sacrificial system. It describes a specific ritual where offerings are waved before the LORD `{{H3068}}`. This was done for various purposes, including the consecration of Aaron `{{H175}}` and his sons `{{H1121}}`, where the breast `{{H2373}}` of the ram `{{H352}}` was waved as a **wave offering** [[Exodus 29:26]]. The people of Israel `{{H3478}}` also presented gifts of gold `{{H2091}}` as a **wave offering** for the work of the sanctuary ([[Exodus 35:22]], [[Exodus 38:24]]). Figuratively, the term is used to describe divine power, as in the **shaking** `{{H8573}}` of the LORD's `{{H3068}}` hand `{{H3027}}` over Egypt [[Isaiah 19:16]] or in battles `{{H4421}}` [[Isaiah 30:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of the wave offering:
* `{{H5130}}` **nûwph** (to quiver): This is the primitive root from which `{{H8573}}` is derived, describing the physical action of the offering. The priest is commanded to **wave** the lambs `{{H3532}}` and oil `{{H8081}}` for a wave offering before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 14:12]].
* `{{H8641}}` **tᵉrûwmâh** (heave offering): This term for a contribution or heave offering is frequently paired with the **wave offering**. The "wave breast" and "**heave** shoulder" together formed the priest's portion from the peace offerings `{{H8002}}` [[Leviticus 7:34]].
* `{{H2373}}` **châzeh** (breast): This part of the sacrificial animal was specifically designated as the wave offering. The fat `{{H2459}}` was brought with the **breast** so that the **breast** could be waved for a wave offering `{{H8573}}` before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 7:30]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8573}}` is demonstrated in its various applications:
* **Consecration:** The wave offering was a critical act in setting apart individuals for sacred service. The Levites themselves were offered as a **wave offering** from the children `{{H1121}}` of Israel `{{H3478}}`, dedicating them to execute `{{H5647}}` the service `{{H5656}}` of the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Numbers 8:11]].
* **Atonement and Provision:** The ritual served as a means of atonement `{{H3722}}`, especially for the poor `{{H1800}}` seeking cleansing [[Leviticus 14:21]]. It also established the LORD's `{{H3068}}` provision for the priesthood, as the **wave** breast `{{H2373}}` and right `{{H3225}}` shoulder `{{H7785}}` were given to them as their due [[Numbers 18:18]].
* **Dedication of Firstfruits:** By presenting **wave** loaves `{{H3899}}` as firstfruits `{{H1061}}`, the Israelites acknowledged God as the source of their harvest. These loaves, baken `{{H644}}` with leaven `{{H2557}}`, were waved before the LORD `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 23:17]].
* **Symbol of Divine Power:** In the prophets, the motion of a **wave offering** is transformed into a symbol of God's sovereign power and judgment. The **shaking** `{{H8573}}` of His hand `{{H3027}}` is enough to make nations afraid `{{H2729}}` and fear `{{H6342}}` [[Isaiah 19:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8573}}` is a term rich with ceremonial and theological meaning. It moves from the specific ritual action of a **wave offering**—a key element in consecration, atonement, and acknowledging God's provision—to a powerful metaphor for God's own mighty and terrifying intervention in the world. It illustrates how a physical act of worship before the LORD `{{H3068}}` can also represent the awesome power wielded by His hand.
TRV