Original Word: חָזֶה
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: chazeh
Pronunciation: khaw-ZEH
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-zeh')
KJV: breast
NASB: breast, breasts
Word Origin: [from H2372 (חָזָה - see)]

1. the breast (as most seen in front)

breast

From chazah; the breast (as most seen in front) -- breast.

see HEBREW chazah

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
breast (of animals)
NASB Translation
breast (11), breasts (2).

חָזֶה noun masculine^{Leviticus 7:31} breast of animals (Aramaic , חַדְיָא) — absolute ׳ח Exodus 29:26 4t.; construct חֲזֵה Exodus 29:27 + 5t.; plural חָזוֺת Leviticus 9:20,21 — breast, only P, and only of sacrificial animals; always as wave-offering; of ram of installation Exodus 29:26,27; Leviticus 8:29, of peace-offering Leviticus 7:30 (twice in verse); Leviticus 9:20,21, of Nazirite sacrifice Numbers 6:20; perquisite of Aaron and his sons Leviticus 7:31,34; Leviticus 10:14,15, compare Numbers 18:18.

Overview

The term designates the breast portion of sacrificial animals that was separated, waved before the LORD, and assigned to the priests. In every occurrence, the word appears in legislation or narrative surrounding the consecration of Aaron and his sons or the ongoing priestly service of the tribe of Levi.

Prescribed Ritual Use

• Exodus 29:26–27 introduces the portion during the ordination of Aaron: “Take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s ordination and wave it before the LORD; it shall be your portion”.
• Leviticus 7:30–34 formalizes the rule for peace offerings: the breast is to be presented as a wave offering and becomes the perpetual due of the priests, “because it has been lifted up from the Israelites as a contribution to the LORD” (Leviticus 7:34).
• Numbers 6:20 extends the practice to the Nazirite’s fellowship offering.
• Numbers 18:18 incorporates the same principle into the perpetual priestly provisions.

The Wave Offering

Waving the breast before the LORD dramatized that the portion first belonged to Him and only afterward to the priest. The forward-and-back motion symbolized presentation and reception, underscoring divine ownership and priestly stewardship.

Allocation to Priests and Their Families

Leviticus 10:14–15 charges that the breast “shall be eaten in a clean place—you and your sons and your daughters with you”. Unlike most sacrificial meat, this portion could be shared with daughters, reflecting the breadth of God’s provision for the priestly household. By reserving a choice cut rich in nourishment, the LORD guaranteed the physical sustenance of those whose life work was spiritual service (cf. Numbers 18:21).

Symbolic Significance

Ancient Near Eastern cultures viewed the breast as the seat of affection and compassion. By granting this portion to His priests, the LORD visibly tied pastoral ministry to His own heart of mercy. The ordination narrative (Leviticus 8–9) highlights the breast directly after anointing with blood and oil, suggesting a progression from atonement to communion.

Christological Fulfillment

Hebrews 7 and 10 portray Jesus Christ as the consummate High Priest who both offers and embodies the sacrifice. The consecrated breast, emblem of divine love and priestly privilege, finds its ultimate reality in the Savior who “loved us and gave Himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:2). Believers, described as “a royal priesthood” (1 Peter 2:9), now partake of the true fellowship that the wave breast anticipated.

Ministry Principles Today

1. God ordains that those who minister His Word be supported by the offerings of His people (1 Corinthians 9:13–14).
2. Provision for ministry families—including daughters—is a biblical concern.
3. Worship integrates reverent presentation to God with grateful reception from Him; service and sustenance belong together.

Key References

Exodus 29:26–27; Leviticus 7:30-34; Leviticus 8:29; Leviticus 9:20-21; Leviticus 10:14-15; Numbers 6:20; Numbers 18:18.

Summary

The breast offering embodies the generosity of God toward His priests, models the intertwining of worship and provision, and anticipates the fullness of communion secured by Christ.

הֶ֣חָזֶ֔ה הֶֽחָזֶ֔ה הֶֽחָזֶ֗ה הֶֽחָזֶה֙ הֶחָז֑וֹת הֶחָז֗וֹת הֶחָזֶ֗ה החזה החזות וַחֲזֵ֣ה וחזה חֲזֵ֣ה חֲזֵ֨ה חזה כַּחֲזֵ֧ה כחזה chaZeh ḥă·zêh ḥăzêh he·ḥā·zeh he·ḥā·zō·wṯ hechaZeh hechaZot heḥāzeh heḥāzōwṯ ka·ḥă·zêh kachaZeh kaḥăzêh vachaZeh wa·ḥă·zêh waḥăzêhInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts