### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H7062}}` (קֹמֶץ, qômets) is a masculine noun derived from the verb `{{H7061}}` (קָמַץ, qāmats), meaning "to grasp" or "to take a handful." Consequently, `{{H7062}}` signifies "a grasp" or, more commonly, "a handful." Its semantic range is quite narrow and specific within the biblical text, almost exclusively denoting a portion of an offering taken by hand. It implies a measured, yet direct and personal, interaction with the substance being offered.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7062}}` appears exclusively within the book of Leviticus, consistently in the context of the grain offering (מִנְחָה, minchah). It specifies the precise ritual action performed by the priest:
* [[Leviticus 2:2]]: In the instructions for the grain offering, the priest is commanded to take "a handful" (קֹמֶץ) of the fine flour, with some of its oil and all its frankincense, and burn it on the altar as a "memorial portion" (אַזְכָּרָה, azkarah), a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the Lord. This establishes the *qômets* as the representative part of the offering dedicated to God.
* [[Leviticus 2:9]]: This verse reiterates the command for the priest to take the "handful" (קֹמֶץ) from the grain offering and burn it on the altar. The remainder of the offering is for Aaron and his sons.
* [[Leviticus 5:12]]: In the specific case of a sin offering for a less severe transgression, where a person is too poor to bring an animal, they may bring fine flour. Here too, the priest takes a "handful" (קֹמֶץ) of it as a memorial portion and burns it on the altar. This demonstrates the adaptability of the sacrificial system to accommodate different economic situations while maintaining the core ritual.
* [[Leviticus 6:15]]: (Hebrew 6:8) As part of the law for the grain offering given to the priests, it is again stipulated that the priest shall take "a handful" (קֹמֶץ) of the fine flour, oil, and frankincense and burn it on the altar.
Across all occurrences, the *qômets* is consistently identified as the "memorial portion" (אַזְכָּרָה) to be burned, signifying God's remembrance and acceptance of the offering. The act of taking a "handful" by the priest is a divinely prescribed, precise ritual action, not an arbitrary measurement, underscoring the sanctity and specific requirements of worship.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H7061}}` (קָמַץ, qāmats):** The verbal root from which `{{H7062}}` is derived. It signifies the action of "grasping" or "taking a handful," directly informing the meaning of the noun.
* **מִנְחָה (minchah, `{{H4503}}`):** The "grain offering" or "meal offering," the primary context in which *qômets* is used. This offering typically expressed devotion, thanksgiving, or dedication to God.
* **אַזְכָּרָה (azkarah, `{{H2146}}`):** The "memorial portion." The *qômets* is consistently designated as the *azkarah* to be burned on the altar. This highlights the purpose of the offering: to be remembered by God and to serve as a sign of the worshiper's devotion.
* **Sacrifice/Offering:** The broader category of cultic acts in ancient Israel. The *qômets* is a specific, crucial component within the grain offering, which complements other sacrifices like burnt offerings (עֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`) and peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, `{{H8002}}`).
* **Priestly Ministry:** The act of taking the *qômets* is a specific duty of the priest, emphasizing their mediating role in facilitating worship and ensuring the proper execution of divine commands.
### Theological Significance
The seemingly simple act of taking a "handful" (`{{H7062}}`) carries profound theological implications:
* **Divine Prescription and Obedience:** The meticulous instructions concerning the *qômets* underscore God's sovereignty over worship. Every detail, down to the "handful," is divinely prescribed, emphasizing the necessity of precise obedience in approaching a holy God. This highlights that true worship is not self-determined but God-determined.
* **Representation and Dedication:** The *qômets* serves as a representative portion of the entire grain offering. By dedicating this small, symbolic "handful" to God through fire, the offerer dedicates the entirety of their offering and, by extension, themselves and their produce to the Lord. It embodies the principle that the first and best, or a designated representative part, belongs to God.
* **A "Pleasing Aroma" to the Lord:** The burning of the *qômets* is consistently described as producing a "pleasing aroma to the Lord" (רֵיחַ נִיחֹחַ, reah nihoah). This anthropomorphic expression signifies God's acceptance and delight in the offering when it is presented according to His will. It speaks to the reconciliation and communion established through proper worship.
* **Acknowledgment of Divine Provision:** The grain offering itself, from which the *qômets* is taken, represents the fruit of the land and human labor. Offering a portion acknowledges God as the ultimate source of all sustenance and blessing, affirming human dependence upon Him.
* **Grace for the Poor:** The allowance for a *qômets* of flour as a sin offering for the impoverished ([[Leviticus 5:12]]) demonstrates God's gracious provision within the sacrificial system, ensuring that even those with limited means could fulfill their obligations and seek atonement. This underscores that the value of the offering was in its obedience and sincerity, not merely its material worth.
* **Foreshadowing of Christ:** While not a direct type, the *qômets* embodies the principle of a perfectly presented, accepted offering. This principle finds its ultimate fulfillment in the perfect and singular sacrifice of Jesus Christ, whose life and death were a "fragrant offering and sacrifice to God" [[Ephesians 5:2]], supremely pleasing and fully accepted by God on behalf of humanity.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7062}}` (קֹמֶץ, qômets) denotes a "handful," specifically referring to the portion of fine flour, oil, and frankincense taken by the priest from the grain offering (Minchah) in Leviticus. This "handful" is consistently designated as the "memorial portion" (אַזְכָּרָה) to be burned on the altar, signifying God's remembrance and acceptance. The theological significance of the *qômets* is profound: it highlights the necessity of precise obedience to divine commands in worship, underscores the principle of representation and dedication (where a part signifies the whole), and points to the concept of an offering that yields a "pleasing aroma" to the Lord. It further emphasizes God's ultimate provision, His gracious accommodation for all, and the essential role of the priest in mediating sacred ritual, all of which find their ultimate culmination in the perfect offering of Jesus Christ.
TRV