Lexical Summary aggan: Bowl, basin Original Word: אַגָּן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance basin, cup, goblet Probably from nagan; a bowl (as pounded out hollow) -- basin, cup, goblet. see HEBREW nagan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a bowl, basin NASB Translation basins (1), bowls* (1), goblet (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אַגָּן] noun [masculine] bowl, basin (Talmud אוֺגָן, Aramaic אַגָּנָא,  ; Arabic  , vessel in which clothes are washed; Assyrian (plural) aganât¢ DlW). 1 basins used in ritual אֲגָנֹת Exodus 24:6 (E). 2 אַגַּן הַסַּהַר, simile of curves of body Cant 7:3. 3 metaphor of family of Eliakim. כְּלֵי הָאַגָּנוֺת = basin-vessels Isaiah 22:24 (= bowl-shaped vessels Che) opposed to כְּלֵי הַנְּכָלִים; both "" כְּלֵי הַקָּטָן. אגף (Assyrian stem of agappu, wing, compare DlW). Topical Lexicon Semantic Range and Imagery אַגָּן denotes a shallow basin or bowl large enough to hold liquids or small articles. The contexts in which it appears range from sacred ritual (Exodus) to nuptial poetry (Song of Solomon) to prophetic household imagery (Isaiah). Together these uses portray both consecrated and commonplace aspects of life brought under God’s covenantal order. Covenantal Ritual (Exodus 24:6) “ Moses took half the blood and put it in bowls, and the other half he sprinkled on the altar.” The basin here functions as a repository for sacrificial blood in the ratification of the Sinai covenant. By separating the blood—half upon the altar representing God, half upon the people (verse 8)—the bowls become tangible witnesses to the binding union. The scene anticipates later sacrificial systems in Leviticus and looks forward to the once-for-all shedding of Christ’s blood, in which the New Covenant is sealed (Hebrews 9:18-22). Ministers may draw on this passage to emphasize the gravity of covenant commitments and the holiness required when approaching God. Celebratory Beauty (Song of Solomon 7:2) “Your navel is a rounded bowl; it never lacks blended wine.” The beloved’s body is poetically compared to a bowl brimming with seasoned wine, symbolizing plenitude, intimacy, and delight. The image celebrates marital love as God-given, countering any dichotomy between physical affection and spiritual devotion. In teaching on marriage, the verse underscores Scripture’s affirmation of conjugal joy within covenant boundaries. Household Stewardship and Prophetic Warning (Isaiah 22:24) “So they will hang on him the whole burden of his father’s house… all the small vessels, from bowls to every kind of jar.” Within Isaiah’s oracle against Shebna and in favor of Eliakim, bowls typify the ordinary utensils of domestic life. Their mention highlights the total transfer of responsibility—from the splendid to the mundane—onto the faithful steward. The prophecy illustrates that leadership under God involves care for every aspect of the community’s welfare, echoing New Testament teaching on servanthood (Luke 12:42-44). Theological Themes 1. Mediation and Atonement: The Exodus usage connects the bowl to sacrificial blood and substitutionary atonement, themes culminating in the cross. Practical Ministry Applications • Communion Preparation: Just as Moses set apart bowls for sacred blood, churches prepare vessels for the Lord’s Supper with reverence, linking Old and New Covenant imagery. Summary Across Exodus, Song of Solomon, and Isaiah, אַגָּן weaves a thread from altar to bedroom to storeroom, uniting diverse spheres under the sovereignty of God. Whether holding sacrificial blood, symbolizing marital delight, or representing everyday responsibility, the bowl testifies that all of life—sacred and ordinary alike—is to be offered in obedient service to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations אַגַּ֣ן אגן בָּאַגָּנֹ֑ת באגנת הָֽאַגָּנ֔וֹת האגנות ’ag·gan ’aggan agGan bā’aggānōṯ bā·’ag·gā·nōṯ baaggaNot hā’aggānōwṯ hā·’ag·gā·nō·wṯ haaggaNotLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 24:6 HEB: הַדָּ֔ם וַיָּ֖שֶׂם בָּאַגָּנֹ֑ת וַחֲצִ֣י הַדָּ֔ם NAS: and put [it] in basins, and the [other] half KJV: and put [it] in basons; and half INT: of the blood and put basins and the half of the blood Songs 7:2 Isaiah 22:24 3 Occurrences |
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