### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun מוֹקְדָה (môwqᵉdâh, `{{H4169}}`) is a feminine form derived from the verbal root יָקַד (yāqaḏ, `{{H3344}}`), meaning "to burn" or "to kindle." Its primary definitions encompass "fuel" or "burning." As a feminine counterpart to מוֹקֵד (môqēḏ, `{{H4168}}`), which denotes "a burning," "a burning pile," or "a hearth," מוֹקְדָה specifically refers to the *place* where burning occurs, or the *state* of being aflame, often implying the sustained combustion or the material that sustains it. Its semantic range is thus confined to the active process of fire and its immediate locus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מוֹקְדָה (môwqᵉdâh, `{{H4169}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, found in the book of Leviticus:
* **[[Leviticus 6:9]]** (Hebrew Bible: [[Leviticus 6:2]])
"הִוא הָעֹלָה עַל מוֹקְדָה עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ כָּל הַלַּיְלָה עַד הַבֹּקֶר וְאֵשׁ הַמִּזְבֵּחַ תּוּקַד בּוֹ."
(Translation: "The burnt offering shall remain on the hearth on the altar all night until the morning, and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it.")
In this crucial cultic instruction, מוֹקְדָה is used in the phrase "עַל מוֹקְדָה עַל הַמִּזְבֵּחַ" ("on its burning/hearth on the altar"). Here, it designates the specific location on the altar where the burnt offering (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`) was to remain and be consumed by fire throughout the night. The context emphasizes the perpetual nature of the altar fire ("וְאֵשׁ הַמִּזְבֵּחַ תּוּקַד בּוֹ" – "and the fire of the altar shall be kept burning on it"). Thus, מוֹקְדָה signifies the continuous, active burning place, the very heart of the sacrificial system where the sacred fire was maintained. Its singular occurrence underscores its precise and vital role within the divinely ordained ritual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning and significance of מוֹקְדָה (môwqᵉdâh, `{{H4169}}`) are illuminated by its relationship to several key terms:
* **יָקַד (yāqaḏ, `{{H3344}}`):** The verbal root "to burn" or "to kindle," from which מוֹקְדָה is derived. This connection highlights the active process of combustion inherent in the noun.
* **מוֹקֵד (môqēḏ, `{{H4168}}`):** The masculine counterpart, meaning "a burning," "a burning pile," or "a hearth." The feminine מוֹקְדָה likely emphasizes the specific *place* or *site* of the burning within a cultic context, or possibly the *act* of burning itself as a noun.
* **אֵשׁ (ʾēš, `{{H784}}`):** "Fire." This fundamental element is intrinsically linked to מוֹקְדָה, as the latter describes the manifestation or locus of the former. The passage in [[Leviticus 6:9]] explicitly mentions the "fire of the altar" (אֵשׁ הַמִּזְבֵּחַ) in conjunction with מוֹקְדָה.
* **עֹלָה (olah, `{{H5930}}`):** The "burnt offering." This is the specific sacrifice whose consumption is facilitated by the מוֹקְדָה, making the word central to the understanding of this foundational offering.
* **מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbēaḥ, `{{H4196}}`):** The "altar." The מוֹקְדָה is explicitly located "on the altar," indicating its function as an integral part of this sacred structure dedicated to worship.
### Theological Significance
The singular appearance of מוֹקְדָה (môwqᵉdâh, `{{H4169}}`) in the context of the perpetual altar fire in [[Leviticus 6:9]] imbues it with profound theological significance.
1. **Divine Presence and Covenant Fidelity:** The command to maintain the fire on the מוֹקְדָה continuously ("all night until the morning") symbolizes God's unceasing presence among His people and His unwavering commitment to the covenant. A perpetually burning fire signified a living, active relationship between Yahweh and Israel, a constant readiness to receive offerings and commune with His people.
2. **Holiness and Acceptability of Sacrifice:** The מוֹקְדָה, as the "burning place" on the holy altar, was instrumental in the consumption of the burnt offering. This process of consumption by fire symbolized the ascent of the offering to God, its transformation from the earthly realm to the divine, and its acceptance by Him. The fire purified and consecrated, making the sacrifice acceptable.
3. **Obedience and Ritual Purity:** The meticulous instructions concerning the maintenance of the altar fire and the handling of the offerings, including the role of the מוֹקְדָה, underscore the importance of strict obedience to God's cultic commands. The proper functioning of the מוֹקְדָה was essential for the integrity of the sacrificial system, reflecting the Israelites' fidelity to the divine statutes and their pursuit of ritual purity.
4. **Atonement and Reconciliation:** Since the burnt offering was primarily an offering of atonement, the מוֹקְדָה facilitated the process by which sin was covered and reconciliation with God was achieved. The continuous burning on the מוֹקְדָה thus points to the ongoing need for atonement and God's provision for it.
### Summary
מוֹקְדָה (môwqᵉdâh, `{{H4169}}`) is a rare but significant Hebrew noun, meaning "fuel" or "burning," specifically referring to a "hearth" or "burning place." Its sole biblical occurrence in [[Leviticus 6:9]] (Hebrew 6:2) places it at the heart of the Israelite sacrificial system, designating the location on the altar where the perpetual fire for the burnt offering was maintained. This word is intimately connected with the root "to burn" (יָקַד, `{{H3344}}`), its masculine counterpart (מוֹקֵד, `{{H4168}}`), and the concepts of fire (אֵשׁ, `{{H784}}`), the burnt offering (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`), and the altar (מִזְבֵּחַ, {{H4196}}`). Theologically, מוֹקְדָה symbolizes God's enduring presence and covenant fidelity, the holiness and acceptability of offerings, and the imperative of human obedience in maintaining the divinely ordained rituals of worship. It speaks to the sacred, continuous nature of the relationship between God and His people, sustained by the unceasing flame of devotion and atonement.
TRV