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Introduction
Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies because they offer profound insights into the meanings of biblical texts and the cultures that shaped them. The Greek word θυμιάω (thymiáō), meaning “to burn incense” or “to offer incense,” is particularly significant in understanding the worship practices and religious life of ancient Jews and early Christians. This verb appears in contexts involving temple rituals and prayers, reflecting a deep connection between incense offerings and divine communication.
Key Information
- The Greek Word: θυμιάω (thymiáō) [thy-mee-AH-oh]
- Etymology: Derived from θυμίαμα (thymiama), meaning “incense,” which comes from θύω (thyo), meaning “to burn” or “to sacrifice.”
- Part of Speech: Verb (present active indicative), third conjugation.
- The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.
Primary Meanings
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- To burn incense.
- To offer incense as a form of worship or ritual.
Similar Words: θυσιάζω (thysiázō) [thy-see-AH-zoh] means “to sacrifice,” especially in terms of offering an animal on an altar. While θυμιάω specifically refers to burning incense, θυσιάζω covers a broader range of sacrificial acts, including both incense and animal offerings.
Further Insights: θυμιάω is a verb of the present active indicative form, commonly used in contexts of religious or cultic worship. The verb highlights the ongoing action of burning incense in various religious settings, whether in Jewish temple rituals or early Christian worship. The verb follows the third conjugation pattern in Greek. Here is a table showing its conjugation in the present tense:
| Person | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | θυμιάω (I burn) | θυμιῶμεν (we burn) |
| 2nd | θυμιᾷς (you burn) | θυμιᾶτε (you all burn) |
| 3rd | θυμιᾷ (he/she/it burns) | θυμιῶσι(ν) (they burn) |
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Lexicon Insights
BDAG: Defines θυμιάω as “to burn incense,” primarily in a ritualistic or cultic context. It emphasizes that this verb is used in settings where prayers or offerings are made, often in conjunction with sacrificial acts or the invocation of divine presence.
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Thayers: Describes θυμιάω as “to offer incense, to burn incense in worship.” Thayer’s lexicon highlights its usage in Jewish temple rituals and early Christian contexts where burning incense was part of religious observances.
Vines: Notes that θυμιάω pertains to the act of burning incense as a symbolic representation of prayers ascending to God. It connects the term to the practices of both Jewish and early Christian worship, where incense served as a tangible expression of spiritual devotion.
LSJ: Lists θυμιάω as “to burn incense” or “to offer incense,” noting its broader application in Greek literature for any act of burning fragrant substances in a religious or cultic context. It points out its usage across various forms of ancient worship.
Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines θυμιάω as “to burn incense.” Strong’s concordance underscores its appearance in contexts related to temple rituals, particularly those involving the altar of incense or during moments of prayer.
Related Scripture References
- Revelation 8:3 – “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given to him, so that he might add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.”
- Revelation 8:4 – “And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”
Classical Usage
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Homer | Iliad | “They made offerings, and burnt incense (θυμιάω) to appease the gods.” |
| Plutarch | Moralia | “Priests in the temple would burn incense (θυμιάω) daily as a sign of reverence.” |
| Xenophon | Cyropaedia | “The people were instructed to burn incense (θυμιάω) as they entered the temple grounds.” |
| Author | Name of Work | English Text |
|---|---|---|
| Septuagint | Exodus 30:7 | “Aaron shall burn fragrant incense (θυμιάω) on it; every morning when he trims the lamps, he shall burn it.” |
| Septuagint | 2 Chronicles 13:11 | “Every morning and evening they burn sacrifices and fragrant incense (θυμιάω).” |
| Septuagint | Psalm 141:2 | “Let my prayer be counted as incense (θυμιάω) before you, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.” |
Summary of θυμιάω (G2370)
The Greek verb θυμιάω (thymiáō) carries significant meaning in both Jewish and Christian contexts, signifying the act of burning incense as a ritual offering. It symbolizes prayers ascending to God, reflecting the spiritual devotion of worshippers. The term appears in key biblical passages, such as Revelation, highlighting its enduring relevance in understanding the language of worship and sacrifice in both ancient Judaism and early Christianity. Its use in classical Greek literature also showcases its broad application in describing acts of worship across different cultures and eras.
Did You Know?
In ancient Jewish and early Christian worship, the act of burning incense (θυμιάω) was seen not only as a form of offering but also as a powerful symbol of purification and communication with the divine. The fragrant smoke rising from the incense represented prayers ascending to heaven. This concept is vividly depicted in the Book of Revelation, where the prayers of the saints are described as mingling with the smoke of incense, creating a beautiful imagery of communion between God and His people.
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