### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **libanōtós**, represented by `{{G3031}}`, refers to a **censer**. Derived from the word for frankincense, its extended meaning is a vessel for burning incense. It appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, both within the book of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3031}}` appears exclusively in a heavenly vision. An `{{G32}}` **angel** is seen standing at the `{{G2379}}` **altar** holding a **golden** `{{G5552}}` **censer** [[Revelation 8:3]]. This censer is used to offer much `{{G2368}}` **incense** with the `{{G4335}}` **prayers** of the saints upon the **golden** `{{G5552}}` **altar** before the throne. Subsequently, the same **censer** is filled with fire from the `{{G2379}}` **altar** and cast to the earth, initiating voices, thunderings, lightnings, and an earthquake [[Revelation 8:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the censer's function in scripture:
* `{{G5552}}` **chrýseos** (of gold, golden): This word, meaning "made of gold," describes the composition of the censer, highlighting its value and sacred purpose in the heavenly vision [[Revelation 8:3]].
* `{{G32}}` **ángelos** (angel, messenger): Defined as a "messenger; especially an 'angel'," this being is the one who wields the `{{G3031}}` **censer** at the altar ([[Revelation 8:3]], 8:5).
* `{{G2379}}` **thysiastḗrion** (altar): The censer is used at this "place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar," from which it also takes fire for judgment ([[Revelation 8:3]], 8:5).
* `{{G2368}}` **thymíama** (incense, odour): This "fragrant powder burnt in religious service" is offered in the censer along with the prayers of the saints [[Revelation 8:3]].
* `{{G4335}}` **proseuchḗ** (prayer): The `{{G2368}}` **incense** offered in the censer is explicitly linked with "prayer (worship)," symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God [[Revelation 8:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3031}}` is seen in its dual role within the divine drama of Revelation.
* **Instrument of Heavenly Worship:** The `{{G3031}}` **censer** is a sacred object used in worship before the throne of God. Its **golden** `{{G5552}}` nature emphasizes its purity and connection to the divine service conducted by an `{{G32}}` **angel** at the heavenly `{{G2379}}` **altar** [[Revelation 8:3]].
* **Conduit for Prayer:** It functions as the vessel that carries the `{{G2368}}` **incense** mixed with the `{{G4335}}` **prayers** of all saints, illustrating a direct link between the petitions of the faithful and their presentation before God [[Revelation 8:3]].
* **Agent of Divine Judgment:** The same object used for worship is transformed into an instrument of judgment. When filled with fire from the `{{G2379}}` **altar** and cast to earth, it signifies that the prayers of the saints have been heard and that divine response is initiated [[Revelation 8:5]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3031}}` **libanōtós** is not merely a container but a pivotal symbol in the apocalyptic vision of Revelation. As a **golden** `{{G5552}}` **censer**, it connects the heavenly worship at the `{{G2379}}` **altar** with the `{{G4335}}` **prayers** of the saints. It vividly illustrates how acts of worship and prayer before God can precede the execution of divine judgment on the earth.
TRV