### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term תְּרוּמִיָּה (tᵉrûwmîyâh, `{{H8642}}`) is derived from the root רום (rûm, `{{H7311}}`), meaning "to be high, exalted," or "to lift up, raise." As a noun, it carries the sense of something "lifted off" or "heaved up." Its base definition indicates "a sacrificial offering" or "oblation," specifically noting its formation as תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûmâh, `{{H8641}}`). This suggests that tᵉrûwmîyâh is a specific type or a more intense designation of a tᵉrûmâh, emphasizing its character as something set apart through a lifting or heaving motion. The semantic range thus centers on the concept of a consecrated portion, dedicated or separated from the whole for sacred purposes, often implying a contribution or gift to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term tᵉrûwmîyâh (`{{H8642}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 48:12]]: "And it shall be unto him a most holy portion of the land, a most holy oblation, from the oblation of the land, by the border of the Levites."
* In this unique occurrence, tᵉrûwmîyâh describes a specific portion of the land in Ezekiel's visionary temple and land division. This land, designated for the priests, is explicitly called a "most holy oblation" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים תְּרוּמִיָּה). The repetition of "most holy" (קֹדֶשׁ קָדָשִׁים) underscores the extreme sanctity and inviolability of this particular land portion. It is not an animal sacrifice or a material offering in the conventional sense, but rather a consecrated segment of the promised land itself, set aside for the service of God by those who minister in His presence. The context highlights the meticulous divine ordering of the new covenant community and its sacred spaces, emphasizing the separation of the holy from the common.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct and significant lexical relationship for tᵉrûwmîyâh (`{{H8642}}`) is with its cognate, תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûmâh, `{{H8641}}`). Both terms derive from the same root רום (rûm, `{{H7311}}`), which denotes the act of lifting or raising.
* **תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûmâh, `{{H8641}}`):** This is the more common term, frequently translated as "heave offering," "contribution," or "offering." It encompasses a wide range of offerings, including portions of sacrifices, firstfruits, tithes, and materials for the Tabernacle/Temple, all characterized by being "lifted off" or "separated" from a larger whole and dedicated to God. The definition of tᵉrûwmîyâh as "formed as tᵉrûmâh" suggests a direct and intense connection, implying that tᵉrûwmîyâh represents a tᵉrûmâh of exceptional holiness or significance.
* **רום (rûm, `{{H7311}}`):** The verbal root itself carries the fundamental concept of elevation, which underpins the idea of an offering. To "lift up" something for God signifies dedication, separation, and setting it apart for a higher, sacred purpose.
* **Other Offering Terms:** While tᵉrûwmîyâh specifically denotes a "heave offering" or "oblation" of a consecrated portion, it stands alongside other categories of offerings in the Mosaic Law, such as זֶבַח (zevach, `{{H2077}}` - sacrifice), מִנְחָה (minchah, `{{H4503}}` - grain offering), and עֹלָה (olah, `{{H5930}}` - burnt offering). These terms collectively articulate the various ways in which ancient Israel was to express worship, atonement, and dedication to Yahweh through material and animal offerings. tᵉrûwmîyâh and tᵉrûmâh specifically highlight the act of *setting apart* a portion, often associated with priestly dues or sacred contributions.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of tᵉrûwmîyâh (`{{H8642}}`) in [[Ezekiel 48:12]] carries profound theological weight, emphasizing the sanctity of what is dedicated to God.
1. **Holiness and Separation:** The designation of the land portion as a "most holy oblation" underscores the absolute holiness required of anything associated with God's dwelling place. This land is not merely set aside; it is consecrated to the highest degree, indicating its complete separation from common use and its exclusive devotion to divine purposes. It reflects the broader biblical principle that God's presence demands holiness and separation from defilement.
2. **Divine Ownership and Provision:** The concept of an "oblation" signifies that this portion of land is a gift or contribution to God, acknowledging His ultimate ownership of all things. Yet, in the context of Ezekiel, this "oblation" is also God's provision for His priests, ensuring their sustenance as they minister in His presence. It illustrates the reciprocal relationship where humanity offers to God, and God, in turn, provides for His servants.
3. **Future Ideal:** In Ezekiel's vision, this tᵉrûwmîyâh of land points to an ideal future state where the people of God will live in perfect order and holiness, with designated sacred spaces that reflect God's character. It anticipates a time when the boundaries between the sacred and the profane are clearly defined and meticulously maintained, ensuring the purity of worship and the integrity of the covenant community.
4. **Symbol of Dedication:** Ultimately, tᵉrûwmîyâh serves as a powerful symbol of complete dedication. Whether it is a material offering or, in this unique case, a segment of land, its "lifting up" signifies a profound act of consecration, declaring that this portion belongs entirely to the Lord and is to be used exclusively for His glory.
### Summary
The Hebrew word תְּרוּמִיָּה (tᵉrûwmîyâh, `{{H8642}}`) denotes a "sacrificial offering" or "oblation," specifically signifying something "lifted up" or "heaved" and thus consecrated. Its meaning is closely tied to its more frequently occurring cognate, תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûmâh, `{{H8641}}`), both deriving from the root רום (rûm, `{{H7311}}`), meaning "to lift." Despite its singular appearance in the Bible, tᵉrûwmîyâh carries significant weight. In [[Ezekiel 48:12]], it describes a "most holy oblation" of land, a segment meticulously set apart for the priests in Ezekiel's visionary temple. This unique usage underscores the extreme sanctity and dedication required for anything associated with God's presence. Theologically, tᵉrûwmîyâh emphasizes the principles of holiness, divine ownership, and the absolute separation of what is consecrated for divine service, pointing to an ideal future where sacred spaces are perfectly maintained for the glory of God.
TRV