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θυμιαστήριον

thymiastḗrion

G2369 noun

SILEX Entry

Definition

A vessel or structure for burning incense; primarily denotes the altar of incense located in the sanctuary for the ritual burning of aromatic substances. In some contexts, may refer more generally to a censer or implement for holding incense.

Semantic Range

incense altar; implement or vessel for burning incense; altar of incense in the sanctuary; censer (less commonly)

Root / Etymology

From θυμιαστής (one who offers incense) or directly from θυμιάω ('to burn incense'), with the instrumental suffix -ήριον indicating a thing serving a function—thus, 'incense-implement.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

θυμιαστήριον appears rarely in external Greek literature, but is used in the Septuagint as a technical term for the altar of incense in the Israelite/Judean sanctuary, specifically in Exodus 30 and Leviticus 4. In the New Testament (Hebrews 9:4), the term is used to reference the sacred object connected to Israelite cultic worship—contextually likely the incense altar, not a portable censer, though some traditions translate it as 'censer.' Classical Greek generally preferred other terms (e.g., θυμιατήριον) for incense vessels. Most standard English translations render the term as 'censer' or 'altar of incense,' but the latter more accurately reflects Second Temple cultic arrangements. Later Christian and Greek liturgical usage further developed the semantic field to incorporate instruments of burning incense during ritual acts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from a derivative of θυμιάω; a place of fumigation, i.e. the alter of incense (in the Temple):--censer.

Root Family

θυμιαστήριον (thymiastērion) — burning incense, incense implement, incense altar

Root θυμιά- to burn incense, to produce aroma with fire

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
G2369-01 θυμιατήριον thumiaterion N ACC N SG altar of incense incense altar incense altar 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
G2369-01 Hebrews 9:4 θυμιατήριον thumiaterion N ACC N SG altar of incense incense altar incense altar
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