### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **môwqᵉdâh**, represented by `{{H4169}}`, is a specific term defined as **fuel** or **burning**. As the feminine of מוֹקֵד, its singular use in scripture highlights a very particular aspect of sacrificial law. It appears just **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, making its context crucial to its meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H4169}}` is in [[Leviticus 6:9]], within the instructions for the priesthood. God commands{H6680} Aaron{H175} and his sons{H1121} regarding the law{H8451} of the burnt offering{H5930}. The verse specifies that the offering is to remain on the altar in a state of **burning** all night{H3915} until the morning{H1242}. Here, **môwqᵉdâh** describes the hearth or pyre itself—the place of constant burning upon the altar{H4196}.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context clarify its role in the sacrificial system:
* `{{H5930}}` **ʻôlâh** (a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice)): This is the offering that is consumed by the **burning** `{{H4169}}`. The command for a continuous fire is directly tied to this specific type of sacrifice [[Leviticus 6:9]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): This is the sacred structure upon which the **burning** takes place. The altar was the central location for making atonement [[Leviticus 17:11]] and presenting sacrifices to God [[Exodus 20:24]].
* `{{H784}}` **ʼêsh** (fire (literally or figuratively)): This is the element responsible for the **burning**. The law in [[Leviticus 6:9]] emphasizes that the **fire** of the altar must be kept **burning** in it.
* `{{H3344}}` **yâqad** (to burn): This verb describes the action of the fire upon the altar. The text states the fire shall be **burning** in it, a continuous action directly linked to the state of **môwqᵉdâh** [[Leviticus 6:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4169}}` is derived entirely from its singular, precise context.
* **Perpetual Worship:** The instruction for the **burning** to continue "all night{H3915} unto the morning{H1242}" signifies a constant, uninterrupted act of worship. It illustrates that the process of atonement and devotion was not a temporary event but an ongoing state to be maintained before the Lord [[Leviticus 6:9]].
* **Priestly Responsibility:** The command{H6680} is given directly to Aaron{H175} and his sons{H1121}, underscoring the vital role of the priesthood in mediating between God and the people by diligently maintaining the sacrificial **fire** `{{H784}}` as prescribed by the **law** `{{H8451}}`.
* **Complete Consecration:** The **burning** on the altar, where the burnt offering{H5930} is wholly consumed, symbolizes total surrender and consecration to God.
### Summary
In summary, **môwqᵉdâh** `{{H4169}}` is a highly specialized noun that, in its single use, defines the perpetual hearth of the burnt offering. It is not merely a fire, but the very place of **burning** that must be maintained throughout the night. This single reference encapsulates a core principle of the Levitical law: the need for a constant, enduring fire on the altar, representing uninterrupted worship and the ongoing work of atonement.
TRV