### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **kavvân**, represented by `{{H3561}}`, refers to something prepared, specifically a **sacrificial wafer** or **cake**. This term is very specific in its usage, appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses** within the book of Jeremiah. Its meaning is intrinsically tied to acts of idolatrous worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3561}}` is always associated with illicit worship directed at the "queen of heaven." The prophet Jeremiah condemns this practice, describing how entire families participated in the rebellion. The children gather wood, the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead dough specifically "to make **cakes** to the queen of heaven" [[Jeremiah 7:18]]. This act is presented as a direct provocation of God. In a later chapter, the people defiantly recall making these **cakes** `{{H3561}}` to worship her, indicating that these objects were central to their idolatrous rituals [[Jeremiah 44:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words illuminate the context of making these sacrificial cakes:
* `{{H4446}}` **mᵉleketh** (queen): This term identifies the "queen of heaven," the false deity who was the recipient of the idolatrous offerings, including the cakes [[Jeremiah 7:18]].
* `{{H3888}}` **lûwsh** (to knead): A primitive root describing the specific action taken by the women to prepare the dough for the cakes, highlighting the domestic, hands-on nature of this forbidden worship [[Jeremiah 7:18]].
* `{{H6999}}` **qâṭar** (to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship)): This word describes the burning of incense, an act of worship performed in conjunction with offering cakes and drink offerings to the queen of heaven [[Jeremiah 44:19]].
* `{{H3707}}` **kaʻaç** (to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant): This term reveals the consequence of these actions, as making cakes to other gods was done in a way that would **provoke** the LORD **to anger** [[Jeremiah 7:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H3561}}` is significant despite its rare usage, as it represents a tangible form of apostasy.
* **Instrument of Idolatry:** The **cakes** are not merely food but are prepared as sacrificial gifts for a false god, the "queen of heaven" `{{H4446}}`. This act is a flagrant violation of God's covenant and His exclusive claim to worship.
* **Corporate Sin:** The preparation of the **cakes** involved the entire family, from children to fathers to women, illustrating how deeply the sin of idolatry had permeated the community [[Jeremiah 7:18]]. It was a shared, generational rebellion.
* **Defiant Worship:** The context shows this was not a sin of ignorance but a defiant choice. The people explicitly state their intention to make **cakes** `{{H3561}}` and burn incense to their false deity, even when warned against it by the prophet [[Jeremiah 44:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3561}}` is a highly specific term for cakes made as part of a forbidden religious ritual. Its two appearances in Jeremiah paint a vivid picture of Israel's unfaithfulness. The word **kavvân** serves as a powerful illustration of how a common, creative act like baking can be twisted into an instrument of idolatry, becoming a symbol of communal rebellion that provokes the righteous anger of God.
TRV