or עוֹלָה; feminine active participle of עָלָה; a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke); ascent, burnt offering (sacrifice), go up to. See also עֶוֶל.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻôlâh**, represented by `{{H5930}}`, is a foundational term in the sacrificial system, defined as a **burnt offering** or holocaust that ascends in smoke. It appears **289 times** across **262 unique verses**, indicating its central role in Israelite worship. The term itself is derived from the verb `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh**, meaning "to ascend" or "go up," highlighting the nature of the sacrifice as something that rises to God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5930}}` appears from the earliest acts of worship. Noah offered **burnt offerings** on an altar after the flood from every clean beast and fowl [[Genesis 8:20]]. The concept is central to the testing of Abraham, whom God commanded to offer his son Isaac as a **burnt offering** in the land of Moriah [[Genesis 22:2]]. The Law specified that a **burnt offering** from the herd must be a male without blemish, offered voluntarily for acceptance and to make atonement [[Leviticus 1:3-4]]. However, the prophets later emphasized that the ritual was meaningless without a righteous heart, stating that obedience is better than sacrifice [[1 Samuel 15:22]] and that God desires mercy and knowledge of Him more than **burnt offerings** [[Hosea 6:6]]. God even declared through Isaiah that he was "full" of **burnt offerings** and took no delight in them when offered by a rebellious people [[Isaiah 1:11]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller context for the `{{H5930}}` burnt offering:
* `{{H5927}}` **ʻâlâh** (to ascend, go up, offer): This is the root verb from which **ʻôlâh** is derived. It describes the action of presenting the sacrifice, as when Abraham was told to "**offer** him there for a burnt offering" [[Genesis 22:2]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): The designated place where the **burnt offering** was sacrificed. Fire from the LORD consumed the **burnt offering** on the **altar** as a sign of acceptance [[Leviticus 9:24]].
* `{{H2077}}` **zebach** (sacrifice): A broader term for sacrifice, often used alongside **ʻôlâh**. The two are frequently paired to encompass the entire sacrificial system, as when Samuel asks if the LORD has delight in "**burnt offerings** and **sacrifices**" as much as in obedience [[1 Samuel 15:22]].
* `{{H801}}` **ʼishshâh** (offering made by fire): This term describes the method of the sacrifice. The burnt offering is explicitly called an **offering made by fire**, a sweet savour to the LORD ([[Leviticus 1:9]], [[Exodus 29:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5930}}` is significant, illustrating key aspects of the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Atonement:** The **burnt offering** served as a means to make atonement `{{H3722}}` for the offerer. By placing a hand on the head of the animal, the individual was symbolically linked to the sacrifice, which was then accepted `{{H7521}}` on their behalf [[Leviticus 1:4]].
* **Complete Consecration:** As a holocaust, the entire animal was consumed by fire on the altar [[Exodus 29:18]], signifying total devotion and surrender to God. Samuel offered a lamb **wholly** `{{H3632}}` as a **burnt offering** to the LORD [[1 Samuel 7:9]].
* **Primacy of the Heart:** The prophets consistently used the **burnt offering** to teach that external rituals are secondary to internal posture. God rejects sacrifices when they are a substitute for justice and mercy, stating, "I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than **burnt offerings**" [[Hosea 6:6]].
* **Divine Acceptance:** The consumption of the **burnt offering** by fire from heaven was a powerful demonstration of God's presence and acceptance, as seen after Solomon's prayer of dedication [[2 Chronicles 7:1]] and Elijah's confrontation on Mount Carmel [[1 Kings 18:38]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5930}}` is far more than a simple ritual. It is a powerful symbol within the Old Testament that represents complete dedication, atonement for sin, and an act of worship. While foundational to the ceremonial law given through Moses, its true meaning, as clarified by the prophets, was tied to the offerer's heart of obedience and mercy. The **burnt offering** thus serves as a key theological concept illustrating God's requirements for a right relationship with Him.
TRV