Lexical Summary merqachah: Ointment, spice mixture, perfume Original Word: מִרְקָחָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance pot of ointment, well Feminine of merqach; abstractly, a seasoning (with spicery); concretely, an unguent-kettle (for preparing spiced oil) -- pot of ointment, X well. see HEBREW merqach NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of merqach Definition an ointment pot NASB Translation jar of ointment (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֶרְקָחָה noun feminine 1. ointment-pot, in which ointment is compounded, Job 41:23 (figurative). 2 spice-seasoning (?); as accusative of congnate meaning with verb see v Hiph`il Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Job 41:31 and Ezekiel 24:10 employ מִרְקָחָה to evoke the rich scent and vigorous bubbling associated with costly aromatic mixtures. In Job, the LORD describes Leviathan: “He makes the depths boil like a cauldron; he makes the sea like a pot of ointment” (Job 41:31). The term intensifies the image of roiling waters to underscore Leviathan’s unmatched power. In Ezekiel’s acted parable of the boiling pot that portrays Jerusalem’s coming judgment, the prophet is told, “Heap on the logs, kindle the fire, cook the meat well; mix in the spices and let the bones be charred” (Ezekiel 24:10). Here מִרְקָחָה highlights both the allure and eventual futility of Judah’s self-indulgent refinements before divine discipline. Cultural and Historical Background Perfumed oils and spice blends held an essential place in ancient Near Eastern life. Beyond personal grooming, they served medicinal purposes, honored guests (Psalm 23:5), prepared bodies for burial (John 19:40), and accompanied sacrificial rites (Exodus 30:22-25). The art of compounding such mixtures called for specialized knowledge (Ecclesiastes 10:1). מִרְקָחָה, though rare, stands within this broader world of perfumery where fragrance symbolized joy, health, and covenant favor. Imagery and Symbolism 1. Potent Activity: In Job, the “boiling” turns the sea into an aromatic cauldron, stressing motion, heat, and force. God alone contains such power (Job 41:34). Theological Significance • Sovereignty of God: The LORD’s rhetorical questions to Job insist that creation’s fiercest forces—and by extension the most enticing human artifacts—remain under His command. Practical Ministry Applications • Worship: Incorporate the concept of sweet aroma when teaching about prayer and praise (Psalm 141:2; Revelation 5:8), reminding believers that God desires hearts purified by grace rather than superficial fragrance. Connections to New Testament Teaching 2 Corinthians 2:14-16 speaks of believers as “the aroma of Christ.” The rare Old Testament use of מִרְקָחָה prepares the reader to appreciate how God transforms sinners into vessels that diffuse His pleasing scent, contrasting spiritual life with imminent judgment on those who reject the gospel. Reflections for Contemporary Believers Modern culture values cosmetic enhancements much as ancient Israel prized aromatic oils. Scripture reminds us that only inner transformation by the Holy Spirit produces a fragrance of lasting worth. In corporate worship, sacrificial service, and personal witness, the people of God are called to emit the aroma of Christ, knowing that He alone turns the cauldron of judgment into the perfume of redemption. Forms and Transliterations הַמֶּרְקָחָ֔ה המרקחה כַּמֶּרְקָחָֽה׃ כמרקחה׃ ham·mer·qā·ḥāh hammerkaChah hammerqāḥāh kam·mer·qā·ḥāh kammerkaChah kammerqāḥāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 41:31 HEB: יָ֝֗ם יָשִׂ֥ים כַּמֶּרְקָחָֽה׃ NAS: the sea like a jar of ointment. KJV: the sea like a pot of ointment. INT: the sea makes A jar Ezekiel 24:10 2 Occurrences |
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