The Hebrew word qiṭṭêr, represented by H7002, is a term for perfume or incense. It is derived from the root word H6999, meaning to burn incense or make a sacrifice. It appears only 1 time across 1 unique verse in the Bible, making its specific context highly significant.
In its single biblical appearance, H7002 is used to condemn idolatrous worship. The prophet Jeremiah recalls the sinful acts of Judah, stating, "The incense that ye burned in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, ye, and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did not the LORD remember them...?" Jeremiah 44:21. Here, the incense is not an offering to God but a symbol of widespread rebellion and unfaithfulness that has provoked divine judgment.
Several related words illuminate the context of this term:
- H6999 qâṭar (to smoke, i.e. turn into fragrance by fire (especially as an act of worship); burn (incense, sacrifice) (upon), (altar for) incense, kindle, offer (incense, a sacrifice)): This is the root verb describing the action of burning incense. While it can refer to legitimate worship ordained for Aaron and his sons 1 Chronicles 23:13, it is frequently used to describe the sin of burning incense to false gods like Baal Jeremiah 7:9.
- H2351 chûwts (outside, outdoors; abroad, field, forth, highway, more, out(-side, -ward), street, without): This word specifies the location of the idolatrous worship in Jeremiah 44:21. The burning of incense occurred openly in the streets, signifying a public and defiant act, rather than a private transgression. This same word is used to describe public spaces of distress Lamentations 2:19 and ruin Isaiah 5:25.
The theological weight of H7002 is concentrated in its sole appearance, which highlights several key themes:
- The Corruption of Worship: The act of burning incense, described by the related verb H6999, was meant to be a holy act directed toward the LORD 1 Chronicles 23:13. The use of qiṭṭêr in this context shows how a sacred practice was perverted for idolatry.
- Divine Remembrance of Sin: The verse directly links the burning of this incense to God's memory. It serves as a physical reminder of the people's persistent sin, which God did not overlook, stating, "did not the LORD remember them, and came it not into his mind?" Jeremiah 44:21.
- Widespread National Apostasy: The act was not committed by a few, but by all levels of society, including "fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land" Jeremiah 44:21. Its occurrence in the "streets" H2351 underscores the public and communal nature of the rebellion against God.
In summary, while qiṭṭêr H7002 is a rare word, its singular use in Scripture is powerful. It functions not as a neutral term for perfume, but as a specific reference to the incense used in idolatrous worship. Situated within a prophecy of judgment, it serves as a potent symbol of corrupted worship, national rebellion, and the certainty that such acts are remembered by God.
TRV