### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼazkârâh**, represented by `{{H234}}`, is a term for a **reminder**, specifically a **remembrance-offering** or **memorial**. It appears **7 times** across **7 unique verses** in the Bible. It refers to the specific portion of a sacrificial offering that was burned on the altar as an act of remembrance before God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In all its occurrences, `{{H234}}` is found within the Levitical laws governing sacrifices. It denotes the part of an offering that the **priest** `{{H3548}}` takes to **burn** `{{H6999}}` upon the **altar** `{{H4196}}`. For example, a **handful** `{{H7062}}` of **flour** `{{H5560}}` and **oil** `{{H8081}}` from a **meat offering** `{{H4503}}` serves as the **memorial** [[Leviticus 2:2]]. Similarly, pure **frankincense** `{{H3828}}` is placed upon the **bread** `{{H3899}}` as a **memorial** (Leviticum 24:7). This act transforms a portion of the gift into an **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}` unto the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the function of the **memorial** offering:
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary); gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice): This is the larger offering from which the **memorial** is taken. The priest takes the **memorial** `{{H234}}` from the **meat offering** before burning it [[Leviticus 2:9]].
* `{{H6999}}` **qâṭar** (to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship); burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice)): This verb describes the action performed upon the **memorial**. The priest is commanded to **burn** the **memorial** on the altar as the key step in the ritual [[Leviticus 2:16]].
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman); chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer): The **priest** is the designated agent who handles the **memorial** offering. It is the **priest** who takes the handful from the offering and burns the **memorial** [[Leviticus 5:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H234}}` is centered on the sacrificial system:
* **A Representative Portion:** The **memorial** is a "handful" `{{H7062}}` of a larger offering, such as fine **flour** `{{H5560}}` or beaten **corn** `{{H1643}}`. This portion, when burned, stands for the whole offering in God's sight ([[Leviticus 2:2]], [[Leviticus 2:16]]).
* **A Pleasing Aroma:** The burning of the **memorial** is consistently described as creating a "sweet savour" `{{H5207}}` for the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. This signifies that the act of remembrance and the offering itself are received with divine pleasure and acceptance ([[Leviticus 2:9]], [[Leviticus 6:15]]).
* **An Act of Atonement:** While often part of a **meat offering** `{{H4503}}`, the **memorial** is also explicitly connected to a **sin offering** `{{H2403}}`, showing its role in the process of reconciliation between the offerer and God [[Leviticus 5:12]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼazkârâh** `{{H234}}` is a highly specific liturgical term. It is not just a general memory, but the tangible, consecrated portion of a sacrifice that is set apart and burned on the **altar** `{{H4196}}`. It functions as the representative part of a grain or incense offering, bringing the entire gift to the **LORD's** `{{H3068}}` attention. Through this ritual act, the offering becomes a **sweet savour** `{{H5207}}`, symbolizing acceptance and remembrance before God.
TRV