from a derivative of θύω (in the sense of smoking); to fumigate, i.e. offer aromatic fumes:--burn incense.
Transliteration:thymiáō
Pronunciation:thoo-mee-ah'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2370 (θυμιάω, *thymiáō*) fundamentally means "to burn incense" or "to offer incense." Its etymological root is connected to a derivative of θύω (thyō), which carries the primary sense of "to sacrifice" or "to offer." The specific nuance of θυμιάω arises from the "smoking" aspect inherent in its derivation, indicating the production of aromatic fumes. Therefore, the core meaning is not merely to burn, but to burn specific aromatic substances (incense) for a religious or ritualistic purpose, typically as an act of worship or purification. This highlights the sacred and intentional nature of the act.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2370 appears in the New Testament in contexts deeply rooted in Jewish temple worship and apocalyptic symbolism:
* **[[Luke 1:9]]**: This passage describes the priestly duty of Zechariah, father of John the Baptist. It states that "according to the custom of the priesthood, his lot fell to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord." Here, θυμιάω denotes a specific, privileged act of liturgical service performed by the priest in the Holy Place of the temple. The burning of incense was a daily ritual, performed morning and evening, symbolizing the prayers of the people ascending to God (cf. [[Psalm 141:2]]). Zechariah's experience underscores the sacredness of this ritual and the direct access to God's presence it represented for the priest.
* **[[Revelation 8:3-4]]**: In this apocalyptic vision, an angel is depicted "standing at the altar, having a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne." The verb θυμιάω is implied in the action of offering the incense. Verse 4 then explicitly states, "And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand." This passage powerfully links the burning of incense directly to the prayers of God's people, portraying them as a fragrant offering acceptable and pleasing to God. The "much incense" suggests the efficacy and voluminous nature of these prayers, presented before the divine throne.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of G2370 is enriched by its relationship to other Greek terms and theological concepts:
* **θύω (thyō)**: As its root, this verb (`{{G2380}}`) signifies "to sacrifice" or "to offer," emphasizing that burning incense is a form of offering to God.
* **θυμίαμα (thymiāma)**: This noun (`{{G2368}}`) refers to "incense" itself, the aromatic substance that is burned. It is often seen in conjunction with θυμιάω, as the object of the verb.
* **θυμιατήριον (thymiatērion)**: This noun (`{{G2369}}`) denotes the "censer" or "altar of incense," the vessel or place where the act of θυμιάω is performed.
* **Prayer**: The most prominent biblical association of θυμιάω in the New Testament is with prayer. The ascending smoke of incense serves as a potent symbol for the prayers of believers rising to God, finding acceptance and favor.
* **Worship and Liturgy**: The act of burning incense was an integral part of both Old Testament and early Christian liturgical practice, signifying reverence, purification, and the consecration of space and time to God.
* **Priesthood**: The performance of θυμιάω was a specific function of the priesthood, highlighting the role of mediation and intercession.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2370 (θυμιάω) is profound, drawing from both Old Testament precedent and New Testament revelation:
* **Symbol of Ascending Prayer**: The most vivid theological implication is found in Revelation, where the burning of incense is explicitly equated with the prayers of the saints. This imagery conveys that prayer is not merely human utterance but a spiritual offering that ascends to God, is heard, and is pleasing to Him. It underscores the efficacy and divine acceptance of the petitions of God's people.
* **Divine Presence and Holiness**: In the Old Testament, the cloud of incense often accompanied the manifestation of God's presence (cf. [[Exodus 30:7-8]], [[Leviticus 16:12-13]]). While θυμιάω is a New Testament word, this background informs its meaning, suggesting that the act of burning incense creates a sacred atmosphere, acknowledging and inviting the divine presence.
* **Atonement and Cleansing**: Historically, incense was part of the Day of Atonement rituals, where its smoke covered the mercy seat. Though not explicitly stated in the New Testament use of θυμιάω, the lingering association implies a connection to purification and making propitiation, setting the stage for the ultimate atonement through Christ.
* **Privilege of Access**: Zechariah's act of burning incense in the temple highlights the unique privilege of the priest to draw near to God in a sacred space. This foreshadows the New Covenant reality where, through Christ, all believers have direct access to the Father (cf. [[Hebrews 4:16]]).
* **Christ's Intercession**: While the angel in Revelation offers the incense, this act can be seen as a symbolic representation or reflection of Christ's ongoing intercessory work at the right hand of God, presenting the prayers of His saints before the Father.
### Summary
The Greek verb G2370 (θυμιάω, *thymiáō*) means "to burn incense" or "to offer incense," derived from the concept of "smoking" in a sacrificial context. Its biblical occurrences in [[Luke 1:9]] depict a priestly duty within the Jewish temple, highlighting its ritualistic and sacred nature. In [[Revelation 8:3-4]], θυμιάω is powerfully connected to the prayers of the saints, symbolizing their ascent to God as an acceptable and fragrant offering. Theologically, θυμιάω underscores the efficacy and divine acceptance of prayer, the sacredness of worship, and the privilege of drawing near to God's presence, echoing Old Testament themes of atonement and priestly mediation.
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