מִקְטָר (miq.tar)
miq.tar
fumigation
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun miqtar refers to a place where sacrificial smoke rises, essentially describing an altar or hearth for burning offerings. In the Hebrew Bible, it appears only once, in Exodus 30:1, where God instructs Moses to build an altar specifically for burning incense. This single occurrence anchors the word’s meaning in the context of sacred ritual rather than general cooking or heating.
Its root relates to the act of smoking or fumigating, highlighting the visible ascent of smoke as a key feature of worship. The term emphasizes the physical location where this aromatic offering is made, distinguishing it from other types of altars used for animal sacrifices. By focusing on the incense altar, the text underscores the importance of this specific ritual space within the tabernacle’s design.
Translators often render miqtar as "altar" or "incense altar," capturing its function without losing the sensory detail of smoke. This choice reflects how ancient Israelites experienced worship through sight and smell, making the abstract concept of divine presence tangible. The word’s rarity suggests it was a specialized term for a unique aspect of temple service, reserved for those who approached God in this particular way.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word miqtar points to a specific place where smoke rises as an offering to God. In Exodus, this describes the incense altar, a distinct part of the tabernacle. It was not for cooking or general heat, but for burning fragrant spices. This act created a visible sign of prayer and worship ascending toward heaven.
For your faith, this reminds us that worship involves more than just words. It engages our senses and acknowledges God's holiness. The smoke symbolizes prayers rising up, connecting the earthly community with the divine presence. This special altar shows how God designed specific ways for His people to draw near to Him in reverence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a place of smoke of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִקְטַ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
Exodus 30:1
“You shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of acacia wood.
This verse establishes miqtar as the designated place for burning incense, distinguishing it from other altars by its specific function and material.