Bible Dictionary
Wave offerings
Wave offerings were portions of sacrifices or firstfruits presented to God by being waved before him. After this dedication, specified portions belonged to the priests; the rite especially accompanied peace offerings and harvest offerings.
Definition
Wave offerings were portions of peace offerings or firstfruits presented to God by being waved before him. After this dedication, specified portions became the property of the priests.
Biblical Usage
Parts of peace offerings were waved as a special presentation to God. Firstfruits, including a barley sheaf and wheat bread associated with the appointed feasts, were also wave offerings.
Historical Background
The rite formed part of Israel’s offering practices and was especially connected with peace offerings and harvest firstfruits.
Scripture References
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Parts of peace-offerings were so called, because they were waved by the priests (Ex. 29:24, 26, 27; Lev. 7:20-34; 8:27; 9:21; 10:14, 15, etc.), in token of a solemn special presentation to God. They then became the property of the priests. The first-fruits, a sheaf of barley, offered at the feast of Pentecost (Lev. 23:17-20), and wheat-bread, the first-fruits of the second harvest, offered at the Passover (10-14), were wave-offerings.