### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **maʼăpheh**, represented by `{{H3989}}`, refers to **something baked**, or a batch. Derived from the root for baking, it is an exceptionally rare term. It appears only **1 time** across **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible, highlighting its highly specific application.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its sole biblical appearance, `{{H3989}}` is used in [[Leviticus 2:4]] to describe a particular kind of sacrificial offering. The verse outlines the requirements for a **meat offering** `{{H4503}}` that is **baken** in an **oven** `{{H8574}}`. This offering must be made of **unleavened** `{{H4682}}` **cakes** `{{H2471}}` of **fine flour** `{{H5560}}` mixed with **oil** `{{H8081}}`, or **unleavened** `{{H4682}}` **wafers** `{{H7550}}` **anointed** `{{H4886}}` with **oil** `{{H8081}}`. The word directly specifies the method of preparation for this sacred **oblation** `{{H7133}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of this unique term:
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (meat) offering: This word defines the type of sacrifice being presented. It is a donation or sacrificial offering, usually bloodless and voluntary, brought before the Lord [[Leviticus 2:4]].
* `{{H8574}}` **tannûwr** (oven): This is the fire-pot or furnace where the offering described by `{{H3989}}` is to be prepared. This term establishes the specific method of baking required for this particular oblation [[Leviticus 2:4]].
* `{{H4682}}` **matstsâh** (unleavened): This qualifier is critical, meaning the baked good is made without yeast. This type of bread is central to key religious observances, such as the Feast of Unleavened Bread [[Exodus 23:15]].
* `{{H2471}}` **challâh** (cake): This term, from a root meaning "punctured," describes the form of the baked item. It is frequently mentioned alongside fine flour and oil in sacrificial contexts [[Leviticus 7:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3989}}` is tied entirely to its singular context within the laws of sacrifice.
* **A Prescribed Act of Worship:** Its use in [[Leviticus 2:4]] shows that how an offering was prepared mattered. The act of bringing something **baken** was a specific, instructed form of presenting an **oblation** `{{H7133}}` to God.
* **Requirement of Purity:** The offering must be **unleavened** `{{H4682}}`, a consistent symbol of purity and separation from corruption throughout scripture [[Exodus 12:15]].
* **Consecration for Service:** The items are prepared with **fine flour** `{{H5560}}` and **oil** `{{H8081}}`. Oil is used for anointing and setting things apart as holy, indicating the sacred nature of the offering [[1 Samuel 10:1]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H3989}}` **maʼăpheh** is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its single use is highly instructive. It denotes "something baked" specifically within the context of a sacrificial **meat offering** `{{H4503}}` in [[Leviticus 2:4]]. This term underscores the importance of obedience to divine instruction in worship, highlighting the associated principles of purity and consecration in any gift brought before God.
TRV