### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H4018}}` (mᵉbashshᵉlâh) is a feminine noun derived from the root `{{H1310}}` (bashal), which signifies "to boil," "to cook," or "to ripen." Therefore, mᵉbashshᵉlâh semantically refers to a place or facility specifically designed for boiling or cooking. Its core meaning encompasses "a cooking hearth" or "a boiling-place," emphasizing the designated location for the culinary process rather than the act of cooking itself or the food being prepared. The term inherently conveys a sense of preparation and transformation through the application of heat.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H4018}}` appears exclusively in the book of Ezekiel, specifically within the detailed vision of the new temple:
* [[Ezekiel 46:23]]: "And there was a row of boiling-places all around them, around the row of the houses, and boiling-places made under the rows all around." Here, the prophet describes multiple "boiling-places" (mᵉbashshᵉlâh) arranged in rows, indicating dedicated areas within the temple complex.
* [[Ezekiel 46:24]]: "Then he said to me, 'These are the kitchens where those who minister at the temple shall boil the sacrifices of the people.'" This verse explicitly clarifies the function of these mᵉbashshᵉlâh: they are "kitchens" (a functional interpretation of the term in context) where the priests ("those who minister at the temple") are to "boil" (from `{{H1310}}`) the sacrificial offerings brought by the people.
The context reveals that these are not ordinary kitchens but sacred spaces, meticulously designed and designated within the visionary temple. Their purpose is intrinsically linked to the preparation of holy sacrifices, particularly those portions that were to be consumed by the priests, such as the peace offerings or certain sin offerings. This highlights the precise order and ritual purity required for every aspect of temple service, even the preparation of food for sacred meals.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H1310}}` (bashal):** The verbal root from which `{{H4018}}` is derived. It signifies the act of boiling, cooking, or ripening. The mᵉbashshᵉlâh is the *place* where the action of bashal occurs.
* **`{{H2077}}` (zed):** Another Hebrew verb meaning "to boil" or "to cook," often used in a more general sense of preparing food (e.g., Jacob boiling stew in [[Genesis 25:29]]). While zed describes the action, mᵉbashshᵉlâh describes the specific, dedicated location for such an action within a sacred context.
* **`{{H4002}}` (mizbēaḥ):** The altar. Both the mizbēaḥ and the mᵉbashshᵉlâh are places of transformation within the temple, but distinct in their function. The altar is where offerings are consumed by fire, signifying complete dedication to God, while the mᵉbashshᵉlâh is where offerings are prepared for priestly consumption or presentation, signifying communion and sustenance.
* **Sacrificial System:** The existence of mᵉbashshᵉlâh is integral to the Levitical sacrificial system, particularly for offerings that involved the eating of consecrated meat by the priests (e.g., portions of the peace offering, sin offering, or trespass offering). It underscores the practical logistics and ritual requirements of handling holy things.
* **Purity and Order:** The very concept of designated "boiling-places" within the temple complex speaks to the divine demand for meticulous order, separation, and ritual purity in all aspects of worship and service. Every space, even one for cooking, is consecrated and serves a specific, holy purpose.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H4018}}` (mᵉbashshᵉlâh) carries profound theological significance within Ezekiel's temple vision:
* **Sanctity of All Service:** The designation of specific "boiling-places" within the temple elevates even the seemingly mundane act of cooking into a sacred duty. It demonstrates that every aspect of service within God's dwelling place, no matter how practical, is consecrated and contributes to the overall holiness of worship.
* **God's Demand for Order and Purity:** The meticulous detail given to the temple's layout, including these specific cooking areas, underscores God's absolute demand for order, precision, and ritual purity in all matters pertaining to His worship. Nothing is left to chance or human improvisation; divine design extends to every corner.
* **Priestly Responsibility and Sustenance:** These mᵉbashshᵉlâh are specifically for the priests to prepare the sacrifices. This highlights the priests' unique role as mediators and servants in the temple, responsible for handling holy things with care and reverence. It also points to the provision for the priests, as portions of the sacrifices were their sustenance, eaten in a holy place.
* **Transformation and Consecration:** The act of boiling transforms raw ingredients. In the temple context, this transformation signifies the preparation of an offering to be made acceptable to God or to be consumed by those in covenant with Him. It speaks to the process by which the ordinary becomes extraordinary through divine command and priestly mediation.
* **Eschatological Ideal:** As part of Ezekiel's visionary temple, the mᵉbashshᵉlâh points to an ideal, future state of worship where all elements are perfectly ordered, consecrated, and fully devoted to God. It reflects a divine blueprint for ultimate holiness and communion.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H4018}}` (mᵉbashshᵉlâh) denotes a "cooking hearth" or "boiling-place," derived from the root `{{H1310}}` meaning "to boil" or "cook." Its sole biblical occurrences are found in Ezekiel's visionary temple ([[Ezekiel 46:23]], [[Ezekiel 46:24]]), where it refers to designated rooms for priests to prepare the people's sacrifices. This term is not merely utilitarian but profoundly theological, underscoring the sacredness of every detail within God's dwelling. It highlights God's demand for meticulous order and ritual purity in worship, the specific responsibilities of the priesthood in handling holy offerings, and the concept of transformation inherent in sacrificial preparation. The mᵉbashshᵉlâh ultimately serves as a powerful symbol of consecrated space and service, reflecting an ideal of complete devotion and holiness in the presence of God.
TRV