Lexical Summary terumiyyah: Deceit, Fraud Original Word: תְּרוּמִיָּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance oblation Formed as truwmah; a sacrificial offering -- oblation. see HEBREW truwmah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom rum Definition what belongs to a contribution, a contribution NASB Translation allotment (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs תְּרוּמִיָּה noun feminine denominative what belongs to a contribution, attendant or secondary contribution, subdivision (on form. see Köii. 1, 204; strictly adjective (used as substantive), Ges§ 86h); — ׳ת מִתְּרוּמַת הָאָרֶץ Ezekiel 48:12, of strip of land for priests in Ezekiel's scheme (but read probably תְּרוּמָה). Topical Lexicon Meaning and Background תְּרוּמִיָּה denotes a “lifted” or “raised” contribution set apart exclusively for sacred use. While kindred forms describe many kinds of heave-offerings, this intensified form appears only once, underscoring the exceptional holiness of the gift it names. The term assumes that true worship involves taking something from the common sphere, elevating it before the LORD, and assigning it permanently to His service. Biblical Usage Ezekiel 48:12 stands alone in employing this word within the prophetic vision of Israel’s restored land: “It will be a holy portion of the land; it will belong to the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary who draw near to minister before the LORD; and it will be a place for their houses as well as a holy place for the sanctuary”. Here תְּרוּמִיָּה is not produce or metal but real estate—an irrevocable grant for the Zadokite priesthood within the broader holy allotment. Connection to the Priestly Heave-Offering 1. Continuity with Torah practice: earlier statutes required the people to “present the LORD’s offerings” (Numbers 18:24) so that the priests might live off the altar. Ezekiel’s vision keeps this pattern by giving those who “draw near” a lifted portion. Historical Context The vision came in the twenty-fifth year of the exile (Ezekiel 40:1). Jerusalem lay in ruins, the priesthood displaced, and holy offerings impossible. By allotting a lifted portion in the renewed land, the LORD pledged that the priestly line—and thus covenant worship—would not vanish. The term therefore ministers hope: national chastening cannot cancel divine election. Theological Themes • Holiness and proximity: Only those “who draw near to minister before the LORD” receive this land, illustrating that nearness to God depends on His consecrating act, not human merit. Intertextual Links – Exodus 25:2: the first call for a terumah foreshadows the later terumiyyah; both are voluntary acts flowing from grateful hearts. – Numbers 18:8-11: God grants the priests “all the holy offerings,” revealing a divine pattern of supplying ministers through the gifts of the people. – Nehemiah 12:44: post-exilic leaders restore storehouses “for the portions required by the Law,” showing that Ezekiel’s vision influenced later reforms. Typological and Eschatological Considerations Ezekiel’s temple is widely read as anticipating the messianic age when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). In that future reality, worship and daily life perfectly intermingle; the lifted portion encircling the sanctuary pictures the whole creation ultimately becoming the Temple of God (Revelation 21:22-27). Ministry Application Pastors, missionaries, and other gospel workers still depend on the “lifted portions” of God’s people (1 Corinthians 9:13-14). Ezekiel 48:12 validates setting aside tangible resources so that those called to full-time ministry can reside near the “sanctuary” of their service, free to intercede and teach. Practical Implications for Believers 1. Give the best, not the leftovers—Ezekiel’s priests receive prime acreage. Summary תְּרוּמִיָּה encapsulates the principle that consecrated service demands consecrated provision. Its solitary appearance magnifies its message: in every generation, God secures a lifted portion so that worship remains central and His ministers lack nothing. Forms and Transliterations תְּרוּמִיָּ֛ה תרומיה tə·rū·mî·yāh terumiYah tərūmîyāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezekiel 48:12 HEB: וְהָיְתָ֨ה לָהֶ֧ם תְּרוּמִיָּ֛ה מִתְּרוּמַ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ NAS: It shall be an allotment to them from the allotment KJV: And [this] oblation of the land INT: become shall be an allotment the allotment of the land 1 Occurrence |
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