or קִיטֹר; from קָטַר; a fume, i.e. cloud; smoke, vapour.
Transliteration:qîyṭôwr
Pronunciation:kee-tore'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7008}}` (qîyṭôwr), also transliterated as qîyṭōr, derives from the root verb `{{H6999}}` (qāṭar), which signifies "to cause to smoke," "to burn incense," or "to make a sacrifice smoke." Consequently, `{{H7008}}` denotes the visible exhalation or product of intense burning or vaporization. Its primary semantic range encompasses "smoke," "fume," and "vapor." Unlike a general "cloud" (e.g., `{{H6051}}`), `{{H7008}}` specifically refers to a cloud or column of smoke that originates from combustion, intense heat, or a significant release of vapor. It carries connotations of density, ascent, and often, a powerful or overwhelming presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of `{{H7008}}` in the Hebrew Bible reveal its varied yet potent contextual applications:
* **Divine Judgment and Destruction:** In [[Genesis 19:28]], after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham looks out to see "the smoke of the land went up like the smoke of a furnace." Here, `{{H7008}}` serves as a stark visual testament to the devastating completeness of divine judgment, a lingering sign of cataclysmic wrath. Similarly, in [[Joel 2:30]] (or [[Joel 3:3]] in some versions), "blood and fire and pillars of smoke" are prophesied as signs preceding the great and awesome Day of the Lord, again underscoring divine retribution and earth-shattering events.
* **Theophany and Divine Presence:** Perhaps its most iconic usage is in [[Exodus 19:18]], describing the revelation of God at Mount Sinai: "Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the Lord had descended on it in fire, and the smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly." Here, `{{H7008}}` is a tangible manifestation of God's overwhelming glory, holiness, and power, creating an awe-inspiring and unapproachable barrier between the Holy God and His people. It signifies the divine presence, yet also His transcendence and mystery.
* **Cosmic Order and Divine Sovereignty:** [[Psalm 148:8]] includes "fire and hail, snow and vapor [`{{H7008}}`], stormy wind, fulfilling his word" among the created elements called to praise the Lord. In this context, `{{H7008}}` represents a natural phenomenon, part of the elemental forces of creation, all of which are subject to God's sovereign command and participate in His cosmic praise.
* **Military Power and Destruction:** In [[Nahum 2:13]] (or [[Nahum 2:14]] in some versions), describing the impending judgment on Nineveh, the prophet speaks of "the smoke of her chariots." Here, `{{H7008}}` refers to the literal smoke generated by military engines, symbolizing the destructive force and overwhelming nature of the approaching enemy, a visual representation of impending doom.
Across these contexts, `{{H7008}}` consistently evokes a sense of intensity, power, and often, a visible sign of an unseen force or a profound event.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary etymological link for `{{H7008}}` is its root verb, `{{H6999}}` (qāṭar), which refers to the act of burning, especially for incense or sacrifice, thus producing smoke. This connection highlights that `{{H7008}}` is not just any smoke, but often smoke arising from a significant, intense, or sacred burning.
Another common Hebrew word for "smoke" is `{{H6227}}` (ashan). While both `{{H7008}}` and `{{H6227}}` can be translated as "smoke," `{{H7008}}` often carries a nuance of denser, more column-like, or intense smoke, frequently associated with divine manifestations or large-scale destruction. `{{H6227}}` is more general and can describe smoke from smaller fires or as a metaphor for anger.
The concept of "theophany" is closely related, as `{{H7008}}` frequently accompanies divine appearances, alongside fire and cloud, serving as a veil for God's glory and a sign of His awesome presence. Furthermore, `{{H7008}}` is intrinsically linked to "divine judgment" and "destruction," acting as a visual marker of God's consuming wrath.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7008}}` is multifaceted and profound:
* **Divine Transcendence and Holiness:** In the Sinai narrative, the dense smoke enveloping the mountain underscores God's unapproachable holiness and transcendence. It serves as a visual barrier, emphasizing that God, in His absolute purity and power, cannot be casually approached by sinful humanity. This smoke evokes reverence, fear, and awe before the Almighty.
* **Manifestation of Divine Power and Glory:** While a barrier, the smoke also *reveals* God's presence. It is a tangible sign of His descent, His fire, and His overwhelming power. It speaks to the majesty and glory of the Creator who can manifest Himself in such overwhelming elemental displays.
* **Consequence of Divine Judgment:** As seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the Day of the Lord prophecies, `{{H7008}}` is a powerful symbol of God's righteous wrath against sin. It represents the utter devastation and irreversible consequences that follow divine judgment, a visible sign of consuming fire.
* **Sovereignty over Creation:** In the Psalms, the inclusion of `{{H7008}}` among the elements that praise God highlights His absolute sovereignty over all natural phenomena. Even the most intense and seemingly chaotic forces of nature are under His command and fulfill His purposes.
In essence, `{{H7008}}` is a word that speaks to the awesome and often terrifying power of God, whether in His self-revelation, His judgment, or His control over the cosmos.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7008}}` (qîyṭôwr) denotes "smoke," "fume," or "vapor," specifically that which arises from intense burning or vaporization. Its biblical usage powerfully illustrates its significance: it serves as a dramatic manifestation of God's holy and transcendent presence, particularly at Mount Sinai; it is a stark visual sign of divine judgment and the consuming nature of God's wrath, as seen in the destruction of Sodom and prophecies of the Day of the Lord; and it is recognized as an element within God's sovereignly ordered creation. `{{H7008}}` consistently evokes a sense of overwhelming power, whether divine or destructive, making it a potent and evocative term in the biblical narrative.
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