### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **challâh**, represented by `{{H2471}}`, refers to a **cake**. It appears **14 times** across **11 unique verses** in scripture. Derived from a root meaning to puncture, it describes a specific type of bread, typically prepared for sacred purposes and offerings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical law, `{{H2471}}` is a key component of various ritual offerings. It is prescribed as part of the `meat offering` (`{{H4503}}`) [[Leviticus 2:4]] and the `thanksgiving` (`{{H8426}}`) offering [[Leviticus 7:12]]. These **cakes** were typically made from `fine flour` (`{{H5560}}`) and were either `mingled` (`{{H1101}}`) or `tempered` (`{{H1101}}`) with `oil` (`{{H8081}}`) ([[Exodus 29:2]], [[Leviticus 7:12]]). While often `unleavened` (`{{H4682}}`), one instruction specifies offering `leavened` (`{{H2557}}`) `bread` (`{{H3899}}`) alongside the **cakes** for `peace offerings` (`{{H8002}}`) [[Leviticus 7:13]]. Its use extended to the consecration of priests [[Leviticus 8:26]] and the specific requirements for the showbread, where twelve **cakes** were to be baked [[Leviticus 24:5]]. Beyond the tabernacle rituals, David distributed a **cake** of bread to every person in `Israel` (`{{H3478}}`) during a national celebration [[2 Samuel 6:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the preparation and context of the `{{H2471}}` **cake**:
* `{{H4682}}` **matstsâh** (unleavened (bread, cake), without leaven): This word specifies that the **cakes** were typically made without leavening agents, a key requirement for many offerings. These were part of the sacrifice of `thanksgiving` (`{{H8426}}`) [[Leviticus 7:12]].
* `{{H8081}}` **shemen** (anointing, fat (things), fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, pine): Signifying richness, **oil** was a primary ingredient `mingled` (`{{H1101}}`) with the flour or used to `anoint` (`{{H4886}}`) the **cakes** and wafers [[Leviticus 2:4]].
* `{{H5560}}` **çôleth** ((fine) flour, meal): This refers to the high-quality flour used to make the **cakes**, indicating that the best ingredients were required for these offerings. The twelve showbread **cakes** were to be made of **fine flour** [[Leviticus 24:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2471}}` is tied to its role in worship and dedication.
* **Element of Sacred Offerings:** The **cake** was an integral part of approaching God. It was required in `thanksgiving` (`{{H8426}}`) offerings [[Leviticus 7:12]], `peace offerings` (`{{H8002}}`) [[Leviticus 7:13]], and the consecration rituals for priests (`{{H3548}}`) [[Leviticus 8:26]] and `Nazarites` (`{{H5139}}`) [[Numbers 6:19]].
* **Representation of Purity and Dedication:** The specific instructions for its preparation—using `fine flour` (`{{H5560}}`), `oil` (`{{H8081}}`), and often being `unleavened` (`{{H4682}}`)—signify that what is brought `before the LORD` (`{{H3068}}`) must be of high quality and free from corruption ([[Exodus 29:2]], [[Leviticus 2:4]]).
* **Symbol of Firstfruits and Provision:** The offering of a **cake** from the `first` (`{{H7225}}`) of the `dough` (`{{H6182}}`) established the principle of honoring God with the first and best part of one's provision [[Numbers 15:20]]. Similarly, David's distribution of a **cake** to the entire `multitude` (`{{H1995}}`) reflects celebratory provision [[2 Samuel 6:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2471}}` **challâh** is far more than a simple food item. It functions as a sanctified object within Israel's worship, central to the expression of thanksgiving, peace, and consecration. Its prescribed ingredients and preparation underscore themes of purity and offering one's best to God. From its place on the altar to its role in national celebration, the **cake** serves as a tangible element connecting the people to their duties and devotion to the LORD (`{{H3068}}`).
TRV