Introduction

Understanding Greek words in biblical studies provides profound insights into the cultural, religious, and historical contexts of the New Testament. The Greek word θυμίαμα (thymiama), meaning “incense,” is particularly significant due to its frequent use in both Jewish and early Christian worship practices. As an aromatic substance burned for its fragrance in religious rituals, θυμίαμα carries deep symbolic meaning related to prayer, sacrifice, and divine presence, enriching our understanding of worship in ancient times.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θυμίαμα (thymiama) [thoo-MEE-ah-mah]
• Etymology: Derived from the root word θύω (thyo), meaning “to burn” or “to offer a sacrifice.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter (declension pattern varies in different grammatical cases).
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Incense, a fragrant substance burned during religious ceremonies.
• A metaphor for prayer, as seen in the imagery of incense rising as a pleasing aroma to God.

Similar Words: λίβανος (libanos) [LEE-bah-nos], meaning “frankincense,” is a specific type of incense often used in ancient religious practices. While θυμίαμα broadly refers to incense in general, λίβανος specifically denotes frankincense, highlighting the particular type of aromatic resin used in both the Old and New Testaments.

Further Insights: θυμίαμα is a neuter noun, and its morphology reveals its use in different grammatical contexts. This word is often used in the dative or genitive case in scriptures to denote possession or the medium of action, such as in “incense of prayers.” Below is the declension table for θυμίαμα:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Notes that θυμίαμα refers to the incense burned in sacred rites, both in Jewish temple worship and later Christian traditions. It emphasizes its metaphorical use for prayers ascending to God as a fragrant offering.

Thayers: Describes θυμίαμα as “incense, perfume,” highlighting its ritualistic function in religious ceremonies and its appearance in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation, where it symbolizes the prayers of the saints.

Vines: Explores the use of θυμίαμα in biblical contexts to denote the literal incense used in religious offerings and its symbolic representation of purity and sanctity, often in conjunction with prayers.

LSJ: Points out that θυμίαμα refers to any aromatic substance burned for its fragrance in ancient Greek rituals, including both secular and sacred uses. The term is expanded to encompass both the incense and the ritual acts associated with it.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines θυμίαμα as “incense, a burning (odorous) gum,” primarily used in Revelation to convey the prayers of the saints rising to God.

Related Scripture References

• Luke 1:10 – “And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense [θυμίαμα].”
• Revelation 5:8 – “And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp and golden bowls full of incense [θυμιάματα], which are the prayers of the saints.”
• Revelation 8:3-4 – “Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense [θυμίαμα] 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. And the smoke of the incense [θυμίαμα], with the prayers of the saints, went up before God out of the angel’s hand.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θυμίαμα (G2368)

θυμίαμα (thymiama) is a word rich with religious and symbolic significance in both ancient Greek culture and the New Testament. It primarily refers to incense used in sacred rituals and offerings, symbolizing the prayers of the faithful rising to God. This word appears prominently in Revelation, highlighting its symbolic connection to divine worship. Classical literature also reflects its use in both Greek and Jewish contexts, underscoring its importance in understanding religious practices and theological concepts in ancient times.

Did You Know?

Incense was not only a staple in religious practices but also a symbol of wealth and honor in the ancient world. In the Roman Empire, incense was a valuable trade commodity, often imported from Arabia and India. The early Christians adapted the symbolism of incense as prayers ascending to God, aligning with the Jewish tradition of burning incense in the temple to signify the presence and favor of the divine.