Lexical Summary arisah: Kneading trough, dough Original Word: עֲרִיסָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance dough From an unused root meaning to comminute; meal -- dough. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps coarse meal NASB Translation dough (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs [עֲרִיסָה] noun feminine meaning dubious, usually coarse meal; ᵐ5 AV RV dough, so Toy (with ?) (Late Hebrew עַרְסָן barley-meal; Syriac  (in Lexicons) hulled barley, or (compare LagGGN 1889, 301 f.) wheat); > SmEz CoEz kneading-trough (so Late Hebrew עֲרִיסָה Jastr; apparently secondary, עֲרִיסָה also [bed], cradle, see ערשׂ); — only רֵאשִׁית עֲרִיסֹתֵיכֶם Ezekiel 44:30, עֲרִיסֹתֵינוּ ׳ר Nehemiah 10:38; עֲרִסֹתֵיכֶם ׳ר Numbers 15:20,21 (P). עַרְעָר, עַרְעֹר, עֲרֹעֵר, עֲרוֺעֵר see ערר. I. ערף (√ of following; meaning dubious; Late Hebrew עוֺרֶף = Biblical Hebrew; Arabic Topical Lexicon Concept and Symbolism עֲרִיסָה denotes the “first of the dough” that was separated from every batch of bread dough and presented to the Lord. By consecrating the initial portion, the whole was acknowledged as belonging to God, reaffirming that daily sustenance is His gracious provision. Biblical Occurrences • Numbers 15:20–21 introduces the statute as Israel is poised to enter Canaan: “From the first of your dough you are to present an offering to the LORD… Throughout your generations, you are to give to the LORD an offering from the first of your dough”. The four references span Torah, historical narrative, and prophetic literature, underscoring the practice as a continuing covenant expectation. Covenantal Purpose 1. Sanctification: Setting apart the first portion invested the entire batch with holiness, a tangible reminder that every aspect of life is to be devoted to the Lord. Priestly Provision The separated dough sustained the priesthood, integrating worship with social responsibility. Israel’s leaders were not supported by land allotments but by the faithfulness of worshipers (Numbers 18:8-20). When עֲרִיסָה offerings lapsed, priests suffered and temple ministry declined (cf. Malachi 3:8-10); renewal brought immediate revival (2 Chronicles 31:4-10). Historical Continuity The requirement survived exile. Nehemiah’s covenant (Nehemiah 10) and Ezekiel’s temple vision both include עֲרִיסָה, demonstrating that fidelity to seemingly small ordinances was vital for national restoration. The practice likely persisted in Second Temple Judaism and underlies the later rabbinic “challah” separation still observed in Jewish homes. New Testament Echoes Paul appeals to the principle in Romans 11:16: “If the first portion is holy, so is the whole batch”, teaching that the consecrated Jewish remnant secures hope for the entire nation. The imagery reappears in 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, where Christ Himself is “the firstfruits,” guaranteeing the future resurrection harvest. Thus עֲרִיסָה becomes a type fulfilled in Messiah and His people. Ministry Principles Today • Priority Giving: Believers are encouraged to honor God with the “first” of income, time, and abilities, trusting Him to bless the remainder (2 Corinthians 9:6-11). In sum, עֲרִיסָה embodies a rhythm of consecration, gratitude, and provision that flows from the covenant heart of Scripture and continues to inform faithful worship and stewardship. Forms and Transliterations עֲרִיסֹתֵ֣ינוּ עֲרִסֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם עֲרִסֹ֣תֵכֶ֔ם עֲרִסֽוֹתֵיכֶם֙ עריסתינו ערסותיכם ערסתיכם ערסתכם ‘ă·ri·sō·ṯê·ḵem ‘ă·rî·sō·ṯê·nū ‘ă·ri·sō·w·ṯê·ḵem ‘ărisōṯêḵem ‘ărîsōṯênū ‘ărisōwṯêḵem ariSoteChem ariSoteiChem arisoTeinuLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 15:20 HEB: רֵאשִׁית֙ עֲרִסֹ֣תֵכֶ֔ם חַלָּ֖ה תָּרִ֣ימוּ NAS: Of the first of your dough you shall lift KJV: of the first of your dough [for] an heave offering: INT: of the first of your dough A cake shall lift Numbers 15:21 Nehemiah 10:37 Ezekiel 44:30 4 Occurrences |
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mane of horse, also part of neck where hair grows, etc.).