### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **marchesheth**, represented by `{{H4802}}`, refers to a **stewpan** or **fryingpan**. It is a specific term that appears just **2 times** in **2 verses** of the Old Testament, exclusively within the context of preparing sacred offerings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Both uses of `{{H4802}}` are found in Leviticus and provide instructions for the **meat offering** `{{H4503}}`. In [[Leviticus 2:7]], it is specified as the vessel for an **oblation** `{{H7133}}` to be **made** `{{H6213}}` of **fine flour** `{{H5560}}` with **oil** `{{H8081}}`. [[Leviticus 7:9]] places the **fryingpan** `{{H4802}}` alongside the **oven** `{{H8574}}` and the **pan** `{{H4227}}` as one of the prescribed methods for dressing a meat offering, further stating that such an offering belongs to the priest who presents it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The role of `{{H4802}}` is clarified by several related terms used in the sacrificial system:
* `{{H4227}}` **machăbath** (pan): A similar cooking vessel mentioned alongside the **fryingpan** in [[Leviticus 7:9]]. It was also used to prepare offerings of **fine flour** `{{H5560}}` and **oil** `{{H8081}}` [[Leviticus 2:5]].
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (meat offering): This is the specific "bloodless and voluntary" sacrifice prepared in the **fryingpan**. As a donation or gift, it was a central part of Levitical worship [[Leviticus 2:7]].
* `{{H8574}}` **tannûwr** (oven): Another method of preparation for offerings, listed with the **fryingpan** and **pan**. Offerings could be **baken** `{{H644}}` in an **oven**, highlighting the variety of prescribed methods for preparing sacrifices [[Leviticus 7:9]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H4802}}` lies in its specific function within the detailed framework of Levitical law.
* **Precision in Worship:** The distinction between a **fryingpan** `{{H4802}}`, a **pan** `{{H4227}}`, and an **oven** `{{H8574}}` underscores the high degree of specificity required for preparing offerings according to divine instruction [[Leviticus 7:9]].
* **Vessel for a Specific Offering:** The **fryingpan** is exclusively associated with the **meat offering** `{{H4503}}`, which was to be made of **fine flour** `{{H5560}}` and **oil** `{{H8081}}`. This connects a common cooking utensil to a sacred act of voluntary worship [[Leviticus 2:7]].
* **Provision for the Priesthood:** The law stipulated that the offering prepared in the **fryingpan** was given to the officiating priest, illustrating that the sacrificial system was also designed to sustain those who ministered before the Lord [[Leviticus 7:9]].
### Summary
In summary, **marchesheth** `{{H4802}}` is more than a simple cooking utensil; it is a specialized tool designated for a sacred purpose within the laws of Israelite worship. Its limited use in Scripture ties it directly to the preparation of the **meat offering** `{{H4503}}`, demonstrating the importance of detail, order, and the practical provisions embedded within the sacrificial rites outlined in Leviticus.
TRV