### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **râbak**, represented by `{{H7246}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to soak (bread in oil); baken, (that which is) fried**. This specific term appears only **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, exclusively in contexts related to preparing sacred offerings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H7246}}` describes a particular method for preparing portions of a meat offering. As part of the thanksgiving offering, the law required presenting **fried** cakes of fine flour mingled with oil [[Leviticus 7:12]]. Similarly, instructions for the meat offering specify that it should be made in a pan with oil, and when it is **baken**, it is brought as an offering for a sweet savour to the LORD [[Leviticus 6:21]]. The term is also used in a list of items for which the Levites were responsible, including "that which is **fried**," as part of their duties in the temple service [[1 Chronicles 23:29]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the ritual context of `{{H7246}}`:
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (offering): This word denotes a sacrificial offering, typically bloodless and voluntary. The items described as **fried** `{{H7246}}` are specifically prepared as part of this **minchâh** to be presented to God [[Leviticus 6:21]].
* `{{H4227}}` **machăbath** (pan): This is the vessel used for the cooking method of `{{H7246}}`. Instructions for the meat offering explicitly state it is to be made "in a **pan**" with oil and then brought forth once it is **baken** [[Leviticus 6:21]].
* `{{H8081}}` **shemen** (oil): Essential to the process of `{{H7246}}`, **oil** is the medium in which the cakes are soaked or fried. The law repeatedly mentions that the cakes for the offering are to be mingled or made with **oil** [[Leviticus 7:12]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7246}}` is tied to the meticulous nature of holy offerings.
* **Ritual Purity and Preparation:** The specific instruction to prepare an offering by frying or soaking it in oil underscores the detailed care required to approach God in worship. The process was not arbitrary but part of a divine command for preparing the meat offering [[1 Chronicles 23:29]].
* **An Offering of Thanksgiving:** One of its uses is directly tied to the sacrifice of **thanksgiving** `{{H8426}}`. The act of preparing a **fried** cake was a physical expression of a worshipper's gratitude to God [[Leviticus 7:12]].
* **A Sweet Savour to the Lord:** The ultimate purpose of preparing the offering in this way was for it to be presented as a **sweet** `{{H5207}}` **savour** `{{H7381}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`. The prescribed cooking method contributed to making the sacrifice pleasing and acceptable before God [[Leviticus 6:21]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7246}}` is a highly specific term that moves beyond simple cooking to describe a sacred act of preparation. Though rare, its usage in Leviticus and 1 Chronicles consistently places it within the sphere of priestly duties and sacrificial worship. It illustrates that even the seemingly mundane act of frying food can become a holy process when done in obedience and for the purpose of honoring God as part of a thanksgiving or meat offering.
TRV