from חֶלֶב; galbanam, an odorous gum (as if fatty); galbanum.
Transliteration:chelbᵉnâh
Pronunciation:khel-ben-aw'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term chelbᵉnâh (`{{H2464}}`) refers to "galbanum," an aromatic gum resin. Its etymology traces back to cheleb (`{{H2459}}`), meaning "fat" or the "richest/best part." This connection suggests the substance's rich, possibly oily, or potent quality. While cheleb often denotes the choicest animal fat reserved for sacrificial offerings, its derivative chelbᵉnâh points to a botanical equivalent of high value and distinct character. The defining characteristic of galbanum is its strong, often pungent, and somewhat bitter fragrance, distinguishing it from other more commonly sweet aromatics. Its semantic range is narrow, exclusively denoting this specific botanical exudate.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chelbᵉnâh (`{{H2464}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Exodus 30:34]]. In this passage, it is listed as one of four essential ingredients for the sacred incense (ketoret) that was to be burned daily on the altar of incense within the Tabernacle. The full divine prescription for this holy compound includes "stacte" (nataf, `{{H5198}}`), "onycha" (shecheleth, `{{H7827}}`), "galbanum" (chelbᵉnâh, `{{H2464}}`), and "pure frankincense" (levonah zakka, `{{H3828}}`). The text explicitly states that these ingredients were to be "of equal weight" and prepared as a "perfume, a compound according to the art of a perfumer, salted, pure, and holy" ([[Exodus 30:35]]). Furthermore, its use was strictly forbidden for common purposes, designated as "most holy to the Lord" ([[Exodus 30:36-37]]). This singular occurrence underscores its specific, divinely mandated role within the cultic worship of ancient Israel, highlighting its indispensable nature for the prescribed ritual of incense offering.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic connection for chelbᵉnâh (`{{H2464}}`) is its root, cheleb (`{{H2459}}`), meaning "fat" or "the best/richest part." This etymological link suggests that despite its pungent aroma, galbanum was considered a valuable and potent ingredient, akin to the choicest portions of a sacrifice. The other components of the sacred incense are also significant: nataf (stacte, `{{H5198}}`), shecheleth (onycha, `{{H7827}}`), and levonah (frankincense, `{{H3828}}`). Each of these contributed a unique aromatic profile to the compound, creating a complex and distinct fragrance. The overarching concept is ketoret (incense, `{{H6988}}`), which symbolizes prayer and worship ascending to God (cf. [[Psalm 141:2]], [[Revelation 5:8]]). The context of chelbᵉnâh further ties it to the broader themes of Tabernacle worship, priestly duties, and the meticulous divine instructions for approaching God's holy presence.
### Theological Significance
The inclusion of chelbᵉnâh (`{{H2464}}`) in the sacred incense carries profound theological weight. First, its divine prescription in [[Exodus 30:34]] emphasizes God's meticulousness and sovereignty over worship. The specific ingredients, quantities, and preparation methods were not left to human discretion but were divinely ordained, underscoring the principle that acceptable worship must conform to God's revealed will. Second, the declaration that the incense was "most holy" (qodesh qodashim) and forbidden for common use highlights the absolute sanctity of God's presence and the necessity of purity and separation in approaching Him.
The unique, pungent, and somewhat bitter aroma of galbanum, when blended with the sweeter notes of frankincense and other ingredients, is often interpreted symbolically. It may represent the multifaceted nature of prayer and worship, encompassing not only praise, thanksgiving, and petition but also confession, repentance, and even the lament or bitterness of human suffering brought before God. The less pleasant aspect of the aroma could symbolize the need for purification, the acknowledgment of sin, or the "broken spirit" that God does not despise (cf. [[Psalm 51:17]]). It suggests that genuine worship involves offering all aspects of human experience, even the difficult or challenging, to God in a holy and consecrated manner. Thus, galbanum contributes to an incense that is a comprehensive and holy offering, ascending to God as a pleasing aroma, representing the full spectrum of a worshiper's communion with the Divine.
### Summary
Chelbᵉnâh (`{{H2464}}`), or galbanum, is an aromatic gum resin, deriving its name from the Hebrew word for "fat" (`{{H2459}}`), signifying its rich and potent nature. Its sole biblical appearance in [[Exodus 30:34]] establishes it as a divinely mandated ingredient for the sacred incense (ketoret) used in Tabernacle worship. This unique, pungent component, combined with other aromatics, formed a "most holy" compound, strictly reserved for God's service. Theologically, chelbᵉnâh underscores God's precise requirements for worship, the sanctity of His presence, and the necessity of purity in approach. Its distinct aroma within the incense blend symbolizes the comprehensive nature of true worship, encompassing not only sweet praise but also the more challenging aspects of human experience and repentance, all offered to God as a consecrated and pleasing aroma.
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