Lexical Summary miqtereth: Censer Original Word: מִקְטֶרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance censer Feminine of miqtar; something to fume (incense) in, i.e. A coal-pan -- censer. see HEBREW miqtar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as qatar Definition a censer NASB Translation censer (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מִקְטֶ֫רֶת noun feminine censer; — ׳מ absolute 2 Chronicles 26:19; suffix מִקְטַרְתּוֺ Ezekiel 8:11. Topical Lexicon Definition and Overview מִקְטֶרֶת points to a hand-held vessel for burning incense, commonly rendered “censer.” In Israelite life it functioned as a movable complement to the altar of incense, allowing a priest—or in one tragic case, a king—to carry live coals and fragrant compound into sacred space. Because incense symbolized the prayers of God’s people ascending before Him (Psalms 141:2; Revelation 5:8), the censer became an emblem of intercession, holiness, and, when abused, divine judgment. Occurrences in Scripture 1. 2 Chronicles 26:19 narrates the moment King Uzziah “had a censer in his hand to burn incense” when leprosy instantly broke out on his forehead for usurping priestly prerogatives. Historical Background • Construction: Censers were typically fashioned from bronze or precious metals, fitted with a long handle or chains to protect the bearer from heat. Theological Significance Incense typifies accepted prayer; therefore, the censer embodies the mediatorial office. Proper use affirms God’s holiness and mercy; improper use invites immediate wrath, as seen with Uzziah. The dual witness of approval and judgment reinforces the unity of God’s character—gracious yet uncompromising in matters of worship. Contrast of Proper and Improper Use • Proper: High Priest on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:12-13). Christological Connection Hebrews 9:11-12 presents Jesus Christ as the greater High Priest who entered the heavenly sanctuary “once for all,” fulfilling what earlier censers merely symbolized—the perfect mediation of atonement. Believers’ prayers now ascend through His intercession (Hebrews 7:25). Ministry Application • Guard Sacred Boundaries: Leaders must serve within God-given parameters, avoiding Uzziah’s error of self-promotion. Related Concepts and Cross-References Altar of Incense (Exodus 30:1-10); Incense Offering (Exodus 30:34-38); Smoke as Divine Presence (Isaiah 6:4); Prayers as Incense (Revelation 8:3-4). Together these passages trace a consistent biblical theology: fragrant incense symbolizes reverent, obedient approach to the Holy God. Lessons for Believers 1. God alone defines acceptable worship. Forms and Transliterations מִקְטֶ֖רֶת מִקְטַרְתּ֖וֹ מקטרת מקטרתו miktarTo mikTeret miq·ṭar·tōw miq·ṭe·reṯ miqṭartōw miqṭereṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Chronicles 26:19 HEB: עֻזִּיָּ֔הוּ וּבְיָד֥וֹ מִקְטֶ֖רֶת לְהַקְטִ֑יר וּבְזַעְפּ֣וֹ NAS: But Uzziah, with a censer in his hand KJV: was wroth, and [had] a censer in his hand INT: Uzziah his hand A censer burning was enraged Ezekiel 8:11 2 Occurrences |
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