from נָקָה; a sacrificial basin (for holding blood); bowl.
Transliteration:mᵉnaqqîyth
Pronunciation:men-ak-keeth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The word מְנַקִּית (mᵉnaqqîyth), Strong's `{{H4518}}`, is derived from the root נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`), which fundamentally means "to be clean, pure, innocent, or acquitted." The nominal form מְנַקִּית therefore denotes an object associated with the process of making clean or purifying, specifically in a ritual context. Its primary definition is a "sacrificial basin" or "bowl," specifically one used for holding blood. The connection to the root נָקָה suggests that the basin's function is related to the removal of impurity or the establishment of purity, as blood in the sacrificial system served as an agent for atonement and purification. The semantic range is quite narrow, referring almost exclusively to this specific type of ritual vessel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term מְנַקִּית (mᵉnaqqîyth) appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both in the book of Exodus, specifically within the detailed instructions for the construction and furnishing of the Tabernacle.
1. **[[Exodus 25:29]]**: "You shall make its dishes, its censers, its pitchers, and its bowls with which to pour drink offerings; you shall make them of pure gold." Here, מְנַקִּית is listed among the vessels of the Tabernacle's Table of Showbread. The context specifies that these bowls are for "pouring drink offerings" (לְנַסֵּךְ), indicating their use in libation rituals. The material, "pure gold" (זָהָב טָהוֹר), underscores their sacredness and value.
2. **[[Exodus 37:16]]**: "He also made the utensils which were on the table, its dishes, its censers, its pitchers, and its bowls with which to pour drink offerings, of pure gold." This verse is a direct parallel to [[Exodus 25:29]], describing the actual construction of these vessels by Bezalel, adhering precisely to the divine command. Again, the function for "drink offerings" and the material of "pure gold" are emphasized.
In both instances, the מְנַקִּית is a vessel of the Tabernacle, specifically associated with the Table of Showbread, and used for drink offerings. While the base definition suggests a basin for blood, its specific use in these verses is for libations. This highlights the multi-functional nature of some cultic vessels, or perhaps a broader understanding of "purification" that encompasses various offerings. The consistent mention of "pure gold" signifies the sanctity and preciousness of these instruments, essential for worship in God's dwelling place.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the root **נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`)**, from which מְנַקִּית is derived. This root carries the core meaning of "to be clean, pure, innocent, or free from punishment." Its derivatives often relate to purification, cleansing, or acquittal, whether ritual, moral, or legal.
Other related terms include:
* **מִזְרָק (mizraq, `{{H4219}}`)**: This word also refers to a "basin" or "bowl," frequently used for collecting blood from sacrifices (e.g., [[Exodus 27:3]], [[Numbers 4:14]], [[Zechariah 9:15]]). While מְנַקִּית is specifically mentioned for drink offerings in its occurrences, מִזְרָק is more broadly associated with blood collection, though both are cultic basins.
* **כַּף (kaph, `{{H3709}}`)**: "pan" or "dish," sometimes used for incense (e.g., [[Exodus 25:29]] where it appears alongside מְנַקִּית as "dishes").
* **קְשָׂוֹת (qᵉsāwōth, `{{H7086}}`)**: "pitchers" or "jars," also listed with מְנַקִּית in [[Exodus 25:29]] and [[Exodus 37:16]] for pouring libations.
The conceptual link to "purity" and "cleansing" is paramount. The vessels, including the מְנַקִּית, were instrumental in facilitating the ritual acts that maintained the holiness of the Tabernacle and its worship, enabling a pure interaction between God and Israel.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of מְנַקִּית (mᵉnaqqîyth) lies primarily in its role as a sacred vessel within the Tabernacle, specifically associated with the Table of Showbread and drink offerings.
1. **Holiness and Purity**: Derived from the root "to be clean," the very name of the vessel underscores the pervasive theme of purity in Israelite worship. The Tabernacle, as God's dwelling place, demanded absolute holiness in all its components and rituals. The use of "pure gold" further accentuates this divine standard of purity and worthiness.
2. **Divine Provision and Sustenance**: The Table of Showbread symbolized God's continual provision for His people. The drink offerings poured from the מְנַקִּית, alongside the bread, represented a complete act of worship and dependence on God for sustenance, both physical and spiritual.
3. **Worship and Atonement**: While its specific occurrences mention drink offerings, the general definition of a "sacrificial basin for blood" connects it to the broader system of atonement. Blood, in the Old Testament, was intrinsically linked to life and the means by which sin was covered and fellowship with a holy God was maintained. The meticulous design and use of such vessels highlight the seriousness and precision required in approaching God.
4. **Typological Significance**: In a broader sense, the intricate details of the Tabernacle and its vessels, including the מְנַקִּית, point forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as these vessels facilitated the Old Covenant's means of purification and worship, Christ's blood provides the ultimate cleansing and enables true worship in spirit and truth, fulfilling the shadows of the Law.
### Summary
The Hebrew word מְנַקִּית (mᵉnaqqîyth, `{{H4518}}`) denotes a "sacrificial basin" or "bowl," specifically one used in the Tabernacle for cultic purposes. Derived from the root נָקָה (naqah, `{{H5352}}`), meaning "to be clean or pure," its name inherently links it to the concept of ritual purity. Though its base definition suggests a vessel for blood, its two sole biblical occurrences in [[Exodus 25:29]] and [[Exodus 37:16]] explicitly describe it as a "pure gold" vessel used for pouring drink offerings on the Table of Showbread. This highlights its role in the sacred rituals of the Tabernacle, symbolizing God's holiness, provision, and the meticulous nature of worship. As a component of the Tabernacle's furnishings, the מְnַקִּית underscores the Old Covenant's emphasis on purity, sacrifice, and the divine standard required for communion with a holy God, foreshadowing the ultimate purification achieved through Christ.
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