תְּרוּמִיָּה

a sacrificial offering

Definition

The Hebrew word תְּרוּמִיָּה (tᵉrûwmîyâh) refers to a specific type of sacred offering or contribution that is set apart for God. It is derived from the more common term תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh), which broadly means 'a contribution' or 'heave offering,' but תְּרוּמִיָּה appears to denote a particular, consecrated portion of land. In its sole biblical occurrence in Ezekiel 48:12, it describes a special, holy tract of land reserved for the priests, which is itself an offering from the people to the Lord. This land is distinguished from the general priestly allotment and is described as 'most holy.'

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Ezekiel 48:12. It appears in the context of Ezekiel's visionary blueprint for the restored land of Israel. The term specifies a sacred portion of land that is to be a 'terumah' (an offering) for the priests who minister in the sanctuary. Its usage is highly specific to this prophetic, idealized division of the land, indicating a unique, set-apart area for religious service.

Etymology

תְּרוּמִיָּה (tᵉrûwmîyâh) is a feminine noun derived directly from תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh, H8641), which comes from the root רום (rûm), meaning 'to be high' or 'to lift up.' A תְּרוּמָה was literally an offering 'lifted up' or separated from the common for sacred use. The form תְּרוּמִיָּה adds a suffix that likely gives it a more specific or concrete sense, here referring to a tangible tract of land as the offering.

Semantic Range

This term is theologically significant as it connects the concept of material offering directly to sacred space and priestly sustenance in God's future kingdom. In Ezekiel's vision, the land itself becomes an act of worship, a 'terumah' to God, supporting those who serve at His altar. It enriches the understanding of offerings beyond portable items like grain or animals to include the very ground of the promised land, highlighting God's holistic claim on His people's inheritance and the integration of worship, community, and geography in the divine ideal.

In ancient Israelite culture, offerings (תְּרוּמָה) were typically agricultural products, livestock, or precious metals given to support the priesthood and the tabernacle/temple (e.g., Numbers 18:8-32). Ezekiel's use of the term for a parcel of land is a unique prophetic adaptation. It reflects the deep connection between land, covenant, and worship, envisioning a future restoration where the allocation of territory itself is an act of sacred devotion, ensuring the material provision for religious leaders directly from God's apportionment.

תְּרוּמָה (tᵉrûwmâh, H8641) — The more common, broader term for a contribution or heave offering, which could be of produce, goods, or money. קָרְבָּן (qorbân, H7133) — A general term for an offering or gift brought near to God, often used for sacrifices. מִנְחָה (minchâh, H4503) — A gift or tribute offering, often a grain offering, expressing homage or devotion.

Word Details

Scripture References