or תְּרֻמָה; (Deuteronomy 12:11), from רוּם; a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute; gift, heave offering (shoulder), oblation, offered(-ing).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word tᵉrûwmâh (`{{H8641}}`) originates from the verbal root rûwm (`{{H7311}}`), which means "to be high," "to lift up," or "to raise." This etymological connection is foundational to understanding its semantic range. At its core, tᵉrûwmâh refers to something that has been "lifted up" or "separated" from a larger whole, specifically for a sacred purpose.
Its primary and most frequent meaning is a "heave offering," a consecrated portion of a sacrifice, produce, or other goods that is ritually "lifted" or "heaved" before the Lord. This act symbolizes its dedication and transfer of ownership to God. Beyond sacrificial contexts, tᵉrûwmâh also encompasses:
* **Contributions or Gifts:** Voluntary offerings given for the construction or maintenance of sacred structures, such as the Tabernacle or Temple.
* **Tribute or Dedicated Portions:** Specific shares of produce, tithes, or other items designated for the priests or Levites as their divine provision.
* **Oblation:** A general term for an offering presented to God.
The concept consistently points to a portion set apart, not merely a gift, but a consecrated item or amount distinguished by its sacred purpose and often by a ritual act of elevation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tᵉrûwmâh (`{{H8641}}`) appears extensively throughout the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Pentateuch, highlighting its centrality to Israelite worship and the priestly system.
In the book of Exodus, tᵉrûwmâh is foundational to the building of the Tabernacle. In [[Exodus 25:2-3]], the Lord commands Moses to receive a "contribution" (or "offering") from every Israelite whose heart prompts him, specifying materials like gold, silver, bronze, and various fabrics. This demonstrates tᵉrûwmâh as a voluntary, freewill offering for a sacred communal project. Later, the half-shekel census tax, used for the service of the Tabernacle, is also explicitly called a tᵉrûwmâh in [[Exodus 30:13-14]], indicating that it could also refer to a mandatory, yet still consecrated, offering.
In Leviticus and Numbers, tᵉrûwmâh is frequently associated with the portions of sacrifices and agricultural produce designated for the priests and Levites. For instance, the breast of the peace offering is specified as a "heave offering" for Aaron and his sons ([[Leviticus 7:34]]). Crucially, the Levites were commanded to give a "tithe of the tithe" to the priests, which is also termed a tᵉrûwmâh ([[Numbers 18:26-29]]), emphasizing a hierarchical system of consecrated giving. This provision ensured the sustenance of the priestly class, who had no tribal land inheritance, thus making them dependent on God's provision channeled through the people's offerings. It is distinct from, yet sometimes paired with, tᵉnûphâh (`{{H8573}}`, "wave offering"), both signifying dedication, but through different ritual actions. While tᵉnûphâh involves a horizontal "waving" before the altar, tᵉrûwmâh involves a vertical "lifting up."
In later books, tᵉrûwmâh continues to denote dedicated portions. [[Deuteronomy 12:11]] speaks of bringing the "heave offering of your hand" to the central sanctuary. During the post-exilic period, Nehemiah records the people's commitment to bring their tᵉrûwmâh for the service of the Temple and the support of the Levites and priests ([[Nehemiah 10:37-38]], [[Nehemiah 12:44]]). Ezekiel's vision of the restored Temple includes a significant portion of the holy land designated as tᵉrûwmâh for the priests and the prince, underscoring the concept of a sacred, set-apart territory for divine purposes ([[Ezekiel 45:1]], [[Ezekiel 45:6-7]], [[Ezekiel 48:8-12]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding tᵉrûwmâh (`{{H8641}}`) is enhanced by examining its relationship to other key biblical terms and concepts:
* **rûwm (`{{H7311}}`):** The root verb, meaning "to lift up," "to raise," or "to exalt." This etymological link constantly reminds us that tᵉrûwmâh is not merely a giving, but an act of elevating or setting apart.
* **qorban (`{{H7133}}`):** A general term for an "offering" or "oblation," meaning something "brought near" to God. tᵉrûwmâh is a specific *type* of qorban, distinguished by its "heaved" nature.
* **minchah (`{{H4503}}`):** A "grain offering" or "tribute." While minchah refers to a specific offering type, portions of it could be designated as tᵉrûwmâh for the priests.
* **tᵉnûphâh (`{{H8573}}`):** The "wave offering." Often mentioned alongside tᵉrûwmâh, it signifies a different ritual action (waving horizontally versus heaving vertically) but shares the purpose of consecrating an offering to God. The breast of the peace offering, for example, was both waved and heaved ([[Leviticus 7:30-34]]).
* **ma'aser (`{{H4643}}`):** The "tithe." The "tithe of the tithe" given by the Levites to the priests is explicitly called a tᵉrûwmâh ([[Numbers 18:26]]), illustrating the nested nature of sacred giving.
* **qodesh (`{{H6944}}`):** "Holiness" or "sacredness." The very essence of tᵉrûwmâh is its holy character; it is set apart from the common for God's exclusive use or for the sustenance of His consecrated servants.
### Theological Significance
The concept of tᵉrûwmâh carries profound theological weight, revealing core principles of God's relationship with His people:
* **Divine Ownership and Sovereignty:** The act of "lifting up" a portion to God acknowledges His ultimate ownership of all things. By giving tᵉrûwmâh, Israel recognized that their land, produce, and possessions were gifts from God, and they were returning a consecrated portion to Him as an act of worship and submission to His sovereignty.
* **Consecration and Holiness:** tᵉrûwmâh is inherently holy. It is not merely a donation but a sacred portion, set apart from the profane for God's specific purposes. This reinforces the broader biblical theme of holiness – the call to be distinct and dedicated to God in all aspects of life.
* **Provision for Sacred Service:** A crucial theological function of tᵉrûwmâh was to provide for the Levites and priests. As they had no tribal land inheritance, their livelihood was divinely ordained to come from the offerings of the people. This ensured that those dedicated to the sacred service of God could focus entirely on their duties, trusting in God's provision through the obedience and generosity of the community. It highlights the principle of supporting those who minister God's Word and facilitate worship.
* **Communal Participation in Worship:** The giving of tᵉrûwmâh, whether voluntary or commanded, was a tangible act of worship that allowed every Israelite to participate directly in the maintenance of the Tabernacle/Temple and the support of its ministry. This fostered a deep sense of communal responsibility, solidarity, and connection to God's dwelling place among His people.
* **Covenant Fidelity:** The faithful offering of tᵉrûwmâh was an act of covenant fidelity, a tangible expression of Israel's commitment to their covenant relationship with Yahweh. Conversely, withholding tᵉrûwmâh was seen as a breach of covenant and a robbery of God ([[Malachi 3:8]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew term tᵉrûwmâh (`{{H8641}}`), derived from rûwm (`{{H7311}}`) meaning "to lift up," denotes a "heave offering," "contribution," or "dedicated portion." It signifies something "lifted up" or "set apart" from a larger whole for sacred purposes. Biblically, it is prominently used for the materials contributed to the Tabernacle's construction ([[Exodus 25:2-3]]), the atonement money ([[Exodus 30:13-14]]), and, most significantly, the portions of sacrifices and agricultural produce designated for the sustenance of the priests and Levites ([[Numbers 18:8]], [[Numbers 18:26]]). Theologically, tᵉrûwmâh underscores God's ultimate ownership and provision, the principle of consecration and holiness, and the communal responsibility for sustaining divine worship and its ministers. It represents a tangible act of worship, acknowledging God's sovereignty and participating in His sacred economy.
TRV