the same as אֶשָּׁה, but used in a liturgical sense; properly, a burnt-offering; but occasionally of any sacrifice; (offering, sacrifice), (made) by fire.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼishshâh**, represented by `{{H801}}`, is a liturgical term for an **offering made by fire**. It appears **78 times** across **64 unique verses**, signifying its specific and important role within the sacrificial system. While sometimes used for any sacrifice, it properly refers to a burnt-offering, an act of worship where a gift is consumed by fire unto the LORD.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H801}}` is used in several key contexts. It is fundamental to the act of sacrifice, intended to produce a **sweet** `{{H5207}}` **savour** `{{H7381}}` that is pleasing to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Leviticus 1:9]]. The offering is explicitly called "the **food** `{{H3899}}` of the **offering made by fire**" ([[Leviticus 3:11]], [[Leviticus 3:16]]). Strict regulations accompanied these offerings; for example, they could not contain **leaven** `{{H2557}}` or **honey** `{{H1706}}` [[Leviticus 2:11]], and the animals used had to be without blemish and could not be **maimed** `{{H2782}}` or **scabbed** `{{H3217}}` [[Leviticus 22:22]]. These offerings also served as the primary provision for the priesthood, constituting the **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` of the tribe `{{H7626}}` of **Levi** `{{H3878}}` ([[Deuteronomy 18:1]], [[Joshua 13:14]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of sacrificial offerings made by fire:
* `{{H5930}}` **ʻôlâh** (burnt offering): This term for a holocaust that goes up in smoke is frequently what is being described as an **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}`, emphasizing its complete consumption [[Exodus 29:18]].
* `{{H2077}}` **zebach** (sacrifice): This general term for a sacrifice, often involving the flesh of an animal, can be specified as an **offering by fire** `{{H801}}` as part of a **vow** `{{H5088}}` or **freewill offering** `{{H5071}}` [[Numbers 15:3]].
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (meat offering): This donation or oblation, usually bloodless, is often presented as an **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}`, with parts of it being designated as **most** `{{H6944}}` **holy** `{{H6944}}` [[Leviticus 2:3]].
* `{{H2459}}` **cheleb** (fat): The **fat** of an animal was considered the choice part and was a required component of the **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}` to be burned upon the altar ([[Leviticus 3:3]], [[Leviticus 4:35]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H801}}` is significant in the Levitical system.
* **Atonement and Forgiveness:** An **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}` is a critical component for making **atonement** `{{H3722}}` for **sin** `{{H2403}}`. It is commanded on the **day** `{{H3117}}` of **atonement** `{{H3725}}` [[Leviticus 23:27]] and is the means by which the **priest** `{{H3548}}` secures forgiveness `{{H5545}}` for the congregation [[Leviticus 4:35]].
* **A Sweet Savour:** The consistent description of the **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}` as a **sweet** `{{H5207}}` **savour** `{{H7381}}` to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` underscores the idea of a pleasing and acceptable act of worship ([[Exodus 29:25]], [[Leviticus 1:17]]).
* **Consecration and Holiness:** The act of presenting an **offering made by fire** `{{H801}}` is tied to the state of being **holy** `{{H6918}}`. Priests are consecrated for this service, and the offerings themselves are designated as **most** `{{H6944}}` **holy** `{{H6944}}` ([[Leviticus 6:17]], [[Leviticus 21:6]]).
* **Divine Provision for Priesthood:** God explicitly gives the **offerings made by fire** `{{H801}}` to **Aaron** `{{H175}}` and his **sons** `{{H1121}}` as their **portion** `{{H2506}}` and **inheritance** `{{H5159}}`, establishing a sacred means of sustenance for those who minister ([[1 Samuel 2:28]], [[Leviticus 7:35]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H801}}` is a precise term for a liturgical offering consumed by fire. It represents a central practice in the worship of ancient Israel, acting as a vehicle for atonement, a pleasing act of devotion, and the fulfillment of God's provision for the priesthood. The detailed laws surrounding the **ʼishshâh** highlight the profound holiness required to approach the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` through sacrifice.
TRV