or תַּמְרֻק; or תַּמְרִיק; from מָרַק; properly, a scouring, i.e. soap or perfumery forthe bath; figuratively, a detergent; [idiom] cleanse, (thing for) purification(-fying).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H8562 (תַּמְרוּק, *tamrûwq*) derives from the root מָרַק `{{H4838}}`, which signifies "to scour," "to polish," or "to make bright." Therefore, *tamrûwq* fundamentally refers to a substance or process employed for such cleansing and brightening. Its semantic range encompasses "a scouring," "soap," "perfumery for the bath," or more broadly, a "detergent." Figuratively, it denotes anything used for purification or cleansing. The core idea is the removal of impurities to achieve a state of cleanliness, brightness, or beauty, often through an elaborate regimen.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term H8562 appears exclusively within the book of Esther, specifically in chapters 2:3, 2:9, and 2:12. In all instances, it describes the "purification" or "beautification" treatments undergone by the young virgins gathered for King Ahasuerus's harem.
* In [[Esther 2:3]], the king's officers are instructed to gather beautiful virgins, and "their *tamrûq*" (purification/beautification treatments) are to be given to them. This immediately establishes the term within a context of preparation for royal presentation.
* [[Esther 2:9]] recounts that Esther, finding favor with Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the women, was promptly provided with "her *tamrûq*" along with other provisions. This highlights the importance and immediate necessity of these preparations for those entering the royal court.
* The most detailed context is found in [[Esther 2:12]], which specifies the duration and components of this regimen: "Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their *beautifying* completed: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and other *preparations for beautifying* women." Here, *tamrûq* is not merely a single item but a comprehensive, year-long process involving specific anointing oils and fragrant spices. This indicates a thorough, transformative preparation, designed not only for hygiene but for enhancing beauty, fragrance, and readiness for the king. It speaks to a meticulous process of purification and adornment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for H8562 is its root, מָרַק `{{H4838}}`, meaning "to scour," "to polish," or "to make bright." This root reinforces the active, transformative nature of *tamrûq*.
Other related concepts and words in the Hebrew Bible that convey ideas of cleansing, purity, and preparation include:
* טהר (tahar) `{{H2891}}`: To be clean, pure (verb), often used in cultic contexts for ritual purity.
* טָהֳרָה (tohorah) `{{H2893}}`: Purification, cleansing (noun), referring to a state or act of ritual purity.
* רחץ (rachats) `{{H7364}}`: To wash, bathe, often for ceremonial cleansing or personal hygiene.
* כפר (kaphar) `{{H3722}}`: To atone, purge, make propitiation, which often involves a cleansing from sin or defilement.
* Concepts of anointing (e.g., with oil, as seen in Esther 2:12) and the use of spices for fragrance and preservation are also closely associated with the beautification aspect of *tamrûq*.
### Theological Significance
While H8562 itself is found in a secular context within the book of Esther, its underlying concept of thorough purification and preparation carries profound theological resonance. The meticulous, year-long *tamrûq* for presentation to an earthly king serves as a powerful analogy for spiritual preparation and sanctification before the divine King.
* **Sanctification:** The process of *tamrûq* mirrors the believer's journey of sanctification. Just as the virgins were cleansed and beautified for the king, believers are called to be set apart and made holy for God's presence and service. This involves a continuous process of cleansing from sin and being adorned with the righteousness of Christ.
* **Preparation of the Bride:** The imagery of the women being prepared for the king in Esther has often been seen as a type or shadow of the Church, the Bride of Christ, being purified and made ready for her heavenly Bridegroom. [[Ephesians 5:26-27]] speaks of Christ cleansing the church "by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish." Similarly, [[Revelation 19:7-8]] describes the "fine linen, bright and pure" given to the Bride of the Lamb, which is "the righteous deeds of the saints."
* **Spiritual Cleansing:** The physical *tamrûq* points to the spiritual cleansing available through God. This cleansing is accomplished by the atoning blood of Christ ([[1 John 1:7]]), the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit ([[Titus 3:5]]), and the transformative power of God's Word ([[John 15:3]]). It is a process of becoming pure, fragrant, and beautiful in the sight of God, not by human effort alone, but by divine grace.
### Summary
H8562 (תַּמְרוּק, *tamrûwq*) signifies a substance or process of scouring, cleansing, and beautification. Its primary biblical usage in the book of Esther describes the elaborate, year-long regimen of purification and adornment undergone by virgins preparing for presentation to King Ahasuerus. This regimen, involving special oils and spices, highlights a thorough and transformative process. Theologically, *tamrûq* serves as a potent metaphor for the spiritual journey of sanctification, where believers are purified, cleansed, and adorned through the work of Christ and the Spirit, in preparation for their ultimate fellowship with God, the King of kings, and as the Bride prepared for her heavenly Bridegroom.
TRV