Lexical Summary libanótos: censer Original Word: λίβανος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance incense, censerFrom libanos; frankincense, i.e. (by extension) a censer for burning it -- censer. see GREEK libanos NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom libanos Definition frankincense, by ext. a censer NASB Translation censer (2). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3031: λιβανωτόςλιβανωτός, λιβανωτοῦ, ὁ (λίβανος); 1. in secular authors, frankincense, the gum exuding ἐκ τοῦ λιβάνου, (1 Chronicles 9:29; Herodotus, Menander, Euripides, Plato, Diodorus, Herodian, others). 2. a censer (which in secular authors is ἡ λιβανωτις (or rather λιβανωτρις, cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 255)): Revelation 8:3, 5. A finely wrought censer used for the burning of fragrant incense in sacred service, appearing twice in the Greek New Testament. Old Testament Background The censer first figures in the tabernacle (Exodus 25:29; Leviticus 16:12-13), where the high priest carried live coals and incense behind the veil on the Day of Atonement. Misuse of the vessel, as by Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1-2), or by Korah’s rebels (Numbers 16), revealed God’s demand for holy worship. Solomon’s Temple retained the practice (2 Chronicles 26:18-19). Incense symbolized reverent prayer: “May my prayer be set before You like incense” (Psalm 141:2). Symbolism of Incense and the Censer Incense represents the prayers of the faithful rising acceptably to God (Revelation 5:8). The censer embodies mediation—offering up petitions and bringing down God’s answer, whether mercy or judgment. New Testament Usage • Revelation 8:3—“Another angel came and stood at the altar, holding a golden censer; and much incense was given him, so that he might offer it with the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar before the throne”. In verse 3 the censer is an instrument of worship; in verse 5 it becomes an instrument of God’s judicial reply. The transformation underscores how divine response is inseparably tied to the saints’ intercession (compare Revelation 6:10). Eschatological Significance The seventh-seal scene links heavenly liturgy and end-time judgment. Prayers ascend; fire descends. History moves under the sovereign hand that cherishes prayer yet will not leave wickedness unanswered. Christ’s Priestly Connection Hebrews 9:11-12 pictures Jesus entering the heavenly sanctuary by His own blood. Revelation’s golden censer scene reflects that greater reality: Christ’s atonement guarantees the acceptance of every prayer offered in His name (John 14:13-14). Historical and Cultural Notes Second-Temple sources describe censers of hammered gold, weighing up to a talent, carried by priests of proven lineage. Frankincense—imported from Arabia—was costly, reinforcing the censer’s role in offering God the best. Archaeological finds of bronze and stone censers from the Herodian era illustrate widespread liturgical use. Practical Applications 1. Reverence: Worship must be holy, for “our God is a consuming fire” (Hebrews 12:29). Doctrinal Themes • Prayer and Providence: God weaves the petitions of His people into His redemptive plan. Summary Strong’s Greek 3031 portrays the sacred censer, a vessel that unites prayer, atonement, and judgment. From the tabernacle’s inner sanctum to Revelation’s heavenly throne, it proclaims that God hears His people and will act in perfect holiness and power through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Englishman's Concordance Revelation 8:3 Adj-AMSGRK: θυσιαστηρίου ἔχων λιβανωτὸν χρυσοῦν καὶ NAS: a golden censer; and much KJV: a golden censer; and INT: altar having a altar of incense golden and Revelation 8:5 Adj-AMS |
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