חָזֶה

חָזֶה

the breast (as most seen in front)

Definition

The Hebrew noun חָזֶה (châzeh) primarily refers to the breast or chest of an animal, specifically the front part of the body that is most visible. In the Bible, it almost exclusively denotes the breast portion of a sacrificial animal, such as a ram or bull. This part was ceremonially handled in specific ways during offerings. For example, in the ordination of priests, the breast of the ram was waved as a wave offering before the Lord (Exodus 29:26-27). There is no significant shift in meaning across its occurrences; it consistently refers to this anatomical and ritual portion.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in ritual and sacrificial contexts within the Torah, specifically in Exodus and Leviticus. All 12 occurrences describe the breast of an animal being presented as part of a priestly or peace offering. The breast is either 'waved' as a wave offering (tenuphah) or given as a portion to the priests. Key examples include the ordination offerings for Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 8:29) and the instructions for the peace offering where the breast belongs to Aaron and his sons (Leviticus 7:30-31).

Etymology

The noun חָזֶה (châzeh) is derived from the root verb חָזָה (H2372), which means 'to see,' 'to perceive,' or 'to behold.' The connection likely stems from the breast being the most prominent or 'seen' part of the front of the body. This etymological link highlights visibility and frontality. Cognate words in related Semitic languages also refer to the chest or breast.

Semantic Range

The חָזֶה holds theological significance within the Levitical sacrificial system. Its specific handling—being waved before the Lord—symbolized the presentation and dedication of a portion to God. It was then given to the priests (Aaron and his sons) as their perpetual due (Leviticus 7:34), representing God's provision for those who minister before Him. Understanding this term enriches reading by clarifying the precise rituals that taught Israel about consecration, God's portion, and the sustenance of the priesthood. In ancient Israelite culture, the breast of a sacrificial animal was a choice portion. The act of 'waving' (tenuphah) likely involved a horizontal moving of the offering toward and away from the altar, symbolizing its presentation to God and its return as a gift for the priests. This differs from a modern, purely anatomical understanding, as the חָזֶה was inseparably linked to communal worship, priestly sustenance, and the tangible mechanics of atonement and fellowship offerings. חֵזֶה (cheze, H2373 alternate form) — A variant spelling of the same word with identical meaning and usage. שָׁד (shad, H7699) — Refers to the human breast, often associated with nourishment and blessing (e.g., Genesis 49:25), not a sacrificial animal part. לֵב (lev, H3820) — Means 'heart' as the inner organ and seat of emotion/thought, not the external chest.

Word Details