from קָטַר; a fumigation; (sweet) incense, perfume.
Transliteration:qᵉṭôreth
Pronunciation:ket-o'-reth
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The lemma קְטֹרֶת (qᵉṭôreth) derives from the verbal root קָטַר (qāṭar, `{{H6999}}`), which means "to cause to smoke," "to make a sacrifice smoke," or "to burn incense." Thus, the noun קְטֹרֶת inherently refers to that which is burned to produce smoke, specifically in a ritual or aromatic context. Its primary semantic range encompasses "incense," "fumigation," or "perfume," always with the connotation of something that produces a fragrant smoke when consumed by fire. It is distinct from other forms of burning offerings, as its purpose is not primarily consumption of the offering itself, but the production of an aromatic vapor. The term often carries the modifier "sweet" (סַמִּים, *sammîm*), emphasizing its pleasant aroma and sacred composition.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term קְטֹרֶת (qᵉṭôreth) appears frequently in the Pentateuch, particularly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, where it is central to the tabernacle and temple worship. It is most often associated with the "incense altar" (מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת, *mizbaḥ haqqᵉṭôreth*), a specific piece of furniture within the Holy Place, before the veil separating it from the Most Holy Place.
In [[Exodus 30:1-10]], the divine command for the construction and daily use of the incense altar is given, detailing the specific times (morning and evening) when Aaron was to burn "sweet incense" (קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים). This daily burning was a perpetual offering before Yahweh. [[Exodus 30:34-38]] provides the precise recipe for this sacred incense, emphasizing its exclusive use for Yahweh and prohibiting its replication for common purposes, under penalty of being "cut off from his people." This highlights the sanctity and separation of the incense.
Leviticus further elaborates on the use of incense. In [[Leviticus 16:12-13]], on the Day of Atonement, Aaron is commanded to take a censer full of burning coals from the altar and "sweet incense" (קְטֹרֶת סַמִּים) into the Most Holy Place, so that the cloud of incense might cover the mercy seat. This act was crucial for atonement and for the high priest's survival in the divine presence.
Numbers records instances of misuse or unauthorized use of incense, resulting in divine judgment. The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram in [[Numbers 16]] involves their unauthorized offering of incense, leading to their consumption by fire from Yahweh. Later, when a plague breaks out, Aaron uses incense as an intercessory act, standing between the living and the dead, to halt the plague ([[Numbers 16:46-48]]). This demonstrates the power attributed to divinely sanctioned incense in averting divine wrath.
Beyond the ritualistic context, קְטֹרֶת can also appear in a more general sense of "perfume" or "fumigation," though its primary association remains cultic. For instance, in [[1 Samuel 2:28]], the priestly family is described as having been chosen by God to offer incense.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root קָטַר (qāṭar, `{{H6999}}`), from which קְטֹרֶת is directly derived. This root signifies the act of "burning incense" or "making smoke." Other related terms and concepts include:
* **מִזְבַּח הַקְּטֹרֶת** (*mizbaḥ haqqᵉṭôreth*): The Altar of Incense, a specific piece of tabernacle/temple furniture dedicated to the burning of incense (e.g., [[Exodus 30:1]]).
* **סַמִּים** (*sammîm*, `{{H5543}}`): Spices or aromatic substances, often used in conjunction with קְטֹרֶת to specify "sweet incense" (e.g., [[Exodus 30:7]]).
* **לְבוֹנָה** (*levonah*, `{{H3828}}`): Frankincense, one of the specific ingredients in the sacred incense recipe, also used with grain offerings.
* **עָשָׁן** (*ʿāšān*, `{{H6227}}`): Smoke, a general term for smoke, but relevant as the physical manifestation of burning incense.
* **מִקְטָר** (*miqṭār*, `{{H4730}}`): A place where incense is burned, or an censer, though less common than קְטֹרֶת.
The broader concept of "offering" (קָרְבָּן, *qorbān*, `{{H7133}}`) is related, as incense was a specific type of offering, distinct from blood sacrifices or grain offerings, yet integral to the sacrificial system. The Greek word for incense, θυμίαμα (thymiāma, `{{G2368}}`), found in the New Testament, directly links to the Old Testament concept, especially in Revelation's imagery of ascending prayers.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of קְטֹרֶת (qᵉṭôreth) is profound and multifaceted within the biblical narrative:
1. **Divine Presence and Access:** The burning of incense created a fragrant cloud that was understood to ascend to God. In the tabernacle, it was burned daily on the altar before the veil, symbolizing constant communion and access to God's presence. On the Day of Atonement, the cloud of incense covering the mercy seat allowed the high priest to enter the Most Holy Place without dying ([[Leviticus 16:13]]), signifying a veiled, yet real, encounter with the divine. It acted as both a protective barrier and a medium of approach.
2. **Atonement and Intercession:** As seen in [[Numbers 16]], incense had a role in averting divine wrath and making atonement. Aaron's swift action with incense to stop the plague demonstrates its power as an intercessory act, mediating between God and humanity. The pleasant aroma was perhaps seen as propitiating God's anger, allowing for a turning away of judgment.
3. **Holiness and Separation:** The specific divine command for the composition of the sacred incense and the strict prohibition against its common use ([[Exodus 30:37-38]]) underscore its holiness and separation for God's exclusive worship. It was set apart, just as God Himself is set apart. This emphasizes the sanctity of worship and the distinction between the sacred and the profane. Unauthorized use brought severe consequences, reinforcing its unique sacred status.
4. **Prayer and Worship:** In later Jewish tradition and reflected in the New Testament, the rising smoke of incense became a powerful metaphor for prayer ascending to God. [[Psalm 141:2]] explicitly states, "Let my prayer be counted as incense before you." [[Revelation 5:8]] and [[Revelation 8:3-4]] depict incense as the prayers of the saints ascending before God's throne, signifying the acceptance and fragrance of righteous prayers. This spiritualization highlights the core purpose of incense: a pleasing offering rising to the divine.
5. **Perpetual Devotion:** The command for daily, perpetual burning of incense (e.g., [[Exodus 30:8]]) symbolized an unceasing devotion and remembrance before God, a constant act of worship and communion, reflecting the ongoing relationship between God and His people.
### Summary
The Hebrew word קְטֹרֶת (qᵉṭôreth) refers to "incense" or "fumigation," specifically the fragrant smoke produced by burning aromatic substances in a ritual context. Derived from the root קָטַר (qāṭar, `{{H6999}}`), "to cause to smoke," it is predominantly found in the Pentateuch, detailing its central role in the tabernacle and temple cult. Contextual analysis reveals its prescribed use on the incense altar, its critical function on the Day of Atonement, and its power in intercession and averting divine judgment. Theologically, קְטֹרֶת signifies access to and protection within the divine presence, atonement, the holiness and separation of worship, and ultimately, the ascending prayers and worship of God's people. Its perpetual burning underscored an ongoing, devoted communion with Yahweh, making it a powerful symbol of acceptable and sanctified worship.
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