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**, represented by `{{H8641}}`, serves as a primary term for a **present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute**. It appears **76 times** across **63 unique verses**, signifying a contribution 'lifted up' or separated for a sacred purpose. It encompasses a range of items, from voluntary gifts for the sanctuary to prescribed portions for its ministers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8641}}` is used in several key contexts. It is first introduced as a voluntary **offering** brought by the people of Israel from a willing **heart** `{{H3820}}` for the construction of the tabernacle [[Exodus 25:2]]. The term also designates the specific portions of sacrifices allocated to the priests for their sustenance, such as the **heave offering** from peace offerings [[Leviticus 7:32]]. This provision is established as a perpetual **ordinance** `{{H2706}}` and a **covenant** `{{H1285}}` of salt before the LORD [[Numbers 18:19]]. Beyond sacrifices, it can refer to a **tribute** `{{H4371}}` from the spoils of war [[Numbers 31:41]] or a holy **oblation** of land set apart for the LORD [[Ezekiel 45:1]]. In a negative sense, it can describe **gifts** that corrupt and overthrow the land [[Proverbs 29:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of offerings and sacred contributions:
* `{{H7311}}` **rûwm** (to be high actively, to rise or raise): This is the root from which **tᵉrûwmâh** is derived, meaning to "lift up" or "heave." The connection is explicit when the Israelites are commanded to **heave** `{{H7311}}` a cake as a **heave offering** `{{H8641}}` [[Numbers 15:20]].
* `{{H7133}}` **qorbân** (a sacrificial present): This term for an **oblation** is often used in parallel with **tᵉrûwmâh**. In the law, part of a larger **oblation** `{{H7133}}` could be designated as a **heave offering** `{{H8641}}` for the LORD [[Leviticus 7:14]].
* `{{H8573}}` **tᵉnûwphâh** (wave offering): This type of offering is frequently mentioned alongside the **heave offering**. The priest would receive both the **wave** `{{H8573}}` breast and the **heave** `{{H8641}}` shoulder as his portion [[Numbers 6:20]].
* `{{H4643}}` **maʻăsêr** (a tenth; especially a tithe): **Tᵉrûwmâh** is often presented alongside the **tithe**. The people are challenged for robbing God not only in **tithes** `{{H4643}}` but also in **offerings** `{{H8641}}` [[Malachi 3:8]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8641}}` is significant, highlighting key principles of worship and covenant relationship with God.
* **A Gift from the Heart:** The foundation of the **offering** is a voluntary and willing spirit. God commands Moses to receive an **offering** from every **man** `{{H376}}` that gives it **willingly** `{{H5068}}` with his **heart** `{{H3820}}` [[Exodus 25:2]].
* **Divine Provision for Ministry:** The **heave offerings** `{{H8641}}` are God's designated means of supporting the priesthood. God gives the **heave offerings** of all the hallowed things to **Aaron** `{{H175}}` and his **sons** `{{H1121}}` as their due [[Numbers 18:8]], allowing them to focus on their sacred duties. This provision was so effective that it resulted in plenty to **eat** `{{H398}}` with much left over [[2 Chronicles 31:10]].
* **Sanctification of Substance:** By presenting a **tᵉrûwmâh**, the Israelites acknowledged that all their substance ultimately belongs to God. Setting apart this holy **oblation** sanctified the rest of their possessions and dedicated a portion of the **land** `{{H776}}` itself to the LORD [[Ezekiel 45:1]].
* **Atonement and Acceptance:** Certain offerings serve a redemptive purpose. The half **shekel** `{{H8255}}` **offering** was given to make an **atonement** `{{H3722}}` for their **souls** `{{H5315}}` [[Exodus 30:15]]. God promises that in His holy **mountain** `{{H2022}}`, He will **accept** `{{H7521}}` His people and their **offerings** `{{H8641}}` [[Ezekiel 20:40]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8641}}` **tᵉrûwmâh** is far more than a simple gift. It is a foundational element of Israelite worship, representing a contribution that is "lifted up" in acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. Whether as a voluntary gift, a prescribed portion for the priesthood, or a sacred portion of land, it serves as a tangible expression of devotion, holiness, and the covenant relationship between God and His people.
TRV