from קָטַר; something to fume (incense) on i.e. a hearth place; to burn...upon.
Transliteration:miqṭâr
Pronunciation:mik-tawr'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H4729 (מִקְטָר, miqṭâr) is derived from the root קָטַר (`{{H6999}}`), which fundamentally means "to cause to smoke," particularly in the context of burning sacrifices or incense. As a noun, H4729 specifically denotes the "place of burning" or "place of offering incense." It refers to a hearth, a censer, or more commonly, an altar designed for the burning of aromatic substances, especially incense. Its semantic range is tightly focused on the instrument or location used to produce smoke as part of a ritual act, whether legitimate or illicit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word H4729 appears in two significant biblical contexts, both of which highlight its association with cultic practices, often those deemed inappropriate or idolatrous:
* **[[2 Chronicles 30:14]]**: "And they arose and removed the altars that were in Jerusalem, and all the altars for incense (מִקְטָר, miqṭâr) they removed and cast into the Kidron Valley." Here, miqṭâr refers to specific altars used for burning incense. This verse describes King Hezekiah's extensive religious reforms, where he purged the land of illicit places of worship. The removal of these miqṭâr signifies a purification of the worship landscape, a return to the exclusive worship of Yahweh. The altars mentioned here were likely unauthorized or dedicated to other deities.
* **[[Ezekiel 8:11]]**: "And seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah the son of Shaphan standing among them, with each man his censer in his hand; and the fragrance of the cloud of incense ascended from the מִקְטַר (miqṭar) of the incense." In this prophetic vision, Ezekiel is shown the abominable idolatrous practices occurring within the Temple precincts in Jerusalem. While some translations render miqṭar here as the "cloud of incense" itself, a more precise understanding, consistent with its root and usage, points to the *place* or *instrument* from which the incense smoke ascends. It is the "place of burning incense," a censer or small altar, from which the "cloud of incense" (`{{H7002}}`, qeṭōret) emanates. This context vividly portrays the perversion of sacred rites, as the elders of Israel are seen offering incense, a ritual reserved for Yahweh, to detestable idols.
In both instances, H4729 is linked to the act of burning incense, but crucially, in contexts that underscore its misuse or association with apostasy, rather than the legitimate worship prescribed in the Mosaic Law.
### Related Words & Concepts
Understanding H4729 is enhanced by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* **קָטַר (`{{H6999}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to cause to smoke," "to make a sacrifice smoke," or "to burn incense." This root forms the semantic core for miqṭâr, highlighting its function.
* **קְטֹרֶת (`{{H7002}}`):** This noun refers to the "incense" itself, the aromatic substance that is burned. H4729 is the *place* or *instrument* for burning H7002.
* **מִזְבֵּחַ (`{{H4196}}`):** The general Hebrew term for "altar," a place of sacrifice. While miqṭâr is a specific type of altar (for incense), mizbēaḥ is the broader category. The Tabernacle/Temple had a specific "altar of incense" (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת).
* **Idolatry and Apostasy:** The contexts in which H4729 appears directly relate to the sin of idolatry, where the act of offering incense, meant for Yahweh, is directed towards false gods or performed in an unauthorized manner.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H4729 lies primarily in its association with the *perversion* of worship. Incense burning, when properly directed, was a sacred act symbolizing prayer, purification, and the presence of God (e.g., the daily offering on the altar of incense in the Tabernacle/Temple, [[Exodus 30:7-8]]). However, miqṭâr is consistently found in narratives of unfaithfulness.
In [[2 Chronicles 30:14]], the removal of miqṭâr altars signifies a necessary purification and a return to covenant fidelity. These were not legitimate altars for Yahweh, but rather structures that facilitated syncretistic or pagan worship. Their destruction underscores the principle of exclusive worship of God.
In [[Ezekiel 8:11]], the use of miqṭâr by the elders within the Temple precincts is a stark symbol of Israel's deep spiritual apostasy. The very air, which should have been filled with the fragrance of legitimate worship ascending to Yahweh, was instead defiled by incense offered to "detestable things." This illustrates the profound corruption that had permeated the spiritual leadership and the nation as a whole.
Thus, miqṭâr serves as a poignant reminder that the *form* of worship, even if outwardly similar to sacred rites, is meaningless, and indeed abominable, if its object is not the one true God. It highlights the critical importance of *whom* one worships, not merely *how* one worships.
### Summary
H4729 (מִקְטָר, miqṭâr) denotes a "place of burning" or an "altar for incense," derived from the root meaning "to cause to smoke." While incense burning was a legitimate part of Israelite worship, the biblical occurrences of miqṭâr in [[2 Chronicles 30:14]] and [[Ezekiel 8:11]] consistently place it in contexts of illicit or idolatrous practices. It represents altars or instruments used for offering incense to false gods or in unauthorized ways. Theologically, miqṭâr thus serves as a powerful symbol of perverted worship and the severe consequences of misdirected devotion, underscoring the absolute necessity of exclusive and pure worship of Yahweh.
TRV