The Hebrew word ʼâçûwk, represented by H610, refers to a pot or oil-flask. It is derived from a root word meaning "anointed." This term is exceptionally rare, appearing only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the entire Bible.
The single appearance of H610 is in the narrative of the prophet Elisha and a destitute widow. When Elisha H477 asks the woman what she has in her house H1004, she replies, "Thine handmaid H8198 hath not any thing in the house, save a pot of oil H8081" 2 Kings 4:2. This humble vessel becomes the starting point for a miracle of provision, making its lone biblical mention highly significant.
Several related words from its sole context enrich the meaning of this scene:
- H477 ʼĔlîyshâʻ (Elisha, the famous prophet; Elisha): The prophet of God who facilitates the miracle. He is a central figure to whom the woman appeals for help 2 Kings 4:1.
- H8198 shiphchâh (a female slave... (bond-, hand-) maid(-en, -servant)): This term defines the widow's status as a "handmaid," emphasizing her humility and position of dependence in her appeal to Elisha 2 Kings 4:2.
- H8081 shemen (grease, especially liquid... oil(-ed), ointment): This is the substance within the pot. Oil is frequently used in scripture as a symbol of anointing, joy, and richness (Psalms 23:5, Isaiah 61:3).
- H1004 bayith (a house... family, etc.): This word establishes the domestic setting of the miracle and refers to the woman's household, which is facing ruin 2 Kings 4:2.
The theological weight of H610 is derived entirely from its role in this one story.
- Vessel for Miracles: The pot represents the humble and seemingly insufficient resource that God uses to display His power. It is the starting point for divine provision that saves the woman's family.
- Emblem of Hope: For the widow, the pot of oil is the last material possession of any value. It symbolizes the small seed of hope from which God's deliverance springs.
- Connection to Anointing: As an "oil-flask," the term is intrinsically linked to the sacred substance of oil H8081. This connects the object not just to physical sustenance but to the spiritual concepts of consecration and divine favor.
In summary, while H610 is a seldom-used term, its single appearance in scripture is powerful. It is not just a container but a symbol of how God can use the little we have to perform great works. The story of the pot of oil illustrates a core biblical theme: God's ability to provide abundantly from a place of scarcity, turning a household's last possession into a source of miraculous rescue.
TRV