θυμίαμα
thymíama
G2368 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An aromatic substance or preparation (typically in granular, powder, or resin form) burned in religious or ritual contexts to produce a sweet-smelling smoke; also, by extension, the act or offering of burning such incense. Covers both the physical substance and, in some contexts, the ritual act or its results (fragrance, smoke).
Semantic Range
incense; fragrant aromatic substance burnt in ritual; the act of burning incense; sweet-smelling smoke; ritual offering of incense; fragrance, odour
Root / Etymology
From the verb θυμιάω (to burn incense), which derives from θυμός (smoke, spirit, or passion), related to the act of producing smoke. Thus, θυμίαμα is a result noun indicating something that is burned to produce a fragrant smoke.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical and Hellenistic Greek, θυμίαμα primarily denoted incense—substances such as frankincense or other aromatics used in temple, cultic, or sometimes domestic rituals to produce a fragrant offering to deities. In the Septuagint, it is used as the standard term for the incense offerings prescribed in the Torah, translating Hebrew קְטֹרֶת (qeṭoret), especially in the context of Israelite tabernacle or temple service. In Koine and New Testament usage, particularly in Revelation, θυμίαμα refers to incense offerings, often symbolizing prayers or intercessions when used in figurative or visionary contexts. While many English translations simply use 'incense', the term can include both the offering itself and its ritual function. There is no inherent distinction in this word between the material and the action, but its cultic and symbolic associations are strong. Compared to other related words (e.g., ἀπόθυμα, 'offering', more general), θυμίαμα is specific to aromatic ritual smokes. LXX usage is foundational for its semantic range in Christian texts.
Translation Consistency
Thymíama refers primarily to the aromatic substance and the ritual act of burning it; 'incense' is the natural, common English word that covers both the substance and the offering/act (and its smoke/fragrance). It matches the majority of existing renderings and is the most idiomatic choice for consistent translation across contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from θυμιάω; an aroma, i.e. fragrant powder burnt in religious service; by implication, the burning itself:--incense, odour.
Root Family
θυμίαμα (thymíama) — incense, fragrant substance burned, sweet-smelling smoke, ritual burning of incense
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2368-01 |
θυμιάματα | thumiamata | N NOM N PL |
incense | incense offerings | incense offerings | 2 |
G2368-02 |
θυμιαμάτων | thumiamaton | N GEN N PL |
incense | of incense offerings | of incense offerings | 2 |
G2368-03 |
θυμιάματος | thumiamatos | N GEN N SG |
incense | of incense | of incense | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
6 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2368-03 |
Luke 1:10 | θυμιάματος | thumiamatos | N GEN N SG |
incense | of incense | of incense |
G2368-03 |
Luke 1:11 | θυμιάματος | thumiamatos | N GEN N SG |
of incense | of incense | of incense |
G2368-02 |
Revelation 5:8 | θυμιαμάτων | thumiamaton | N GEN N PL |
of incense | of incense offerings | of incense offerings |
G2368-01 |
Revelation 8:3 | θυμιάματα | thumiamata | N NOM N PL |
incense | incense offerings | incense offerings |
G2368-02 |
Revelation 8:4 | θυμιαμάτων | thumiamaton | N GEN N PL |
incense | of incense offerings | of incense offerings |
G2368-01 |
Revelation 18:13 | θυμιάματα | thumiamata | N ACC N PL |
incense | incense offerings | incense offerings |