Lexical Summary abaqah: Dust, powder Original Word: אֲבָקָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance powder Feminine of 'abaq -- powder. see HEBREW 'abaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfem. of abaq Definition powder NASB Translation scented powders (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [אֲבָקָה or אַבְקָה] noun feminine probably collective, construct אַבְקַת רוֺכֵל Songs 3:6 powders of merchant = scent-powders. (On formation compare LagBN 81.) Topical Lexicon Definition in Context Though used only once in Scripture, אֲבָקָה (avakah) denotes the finest form of ground aromatic substance—“powder” prepared for fragrance (Song of Songs 3:6). The term pictures perfume reduced to dust so that its scent may be released and dispersed with maximum effect. Biblical Usage Song of Songs 3:6 speaks of the bridegroom’s approach “like a pillar of smoke … from all the fragrant powders of the merchant”. The word captures three ideas simultaneously: (1) preparation—spices painstakingly pulverized; (2) abundance—the plural “powders” signals a blend rather than a single scent; (3) diffusion—the fragrance rises heavenward, surrounding the royal procession. Cultural and Historical Background Ancient Near-Eastern perfumery involved crushing resins, spices, and barks, then mixing them with oils or burning them so that the volatilized particles would scent garments, rooms, and public ceremonies. Traveling merchants (cf. Genesis 37:25) specialized in such trade. Bridal processions and royal entries often featured clouds of aroma to symbolize purity, joy, and honor. Thus avakah evokes the grandeur of a wedding march, foreshadowing the consummation of covenant love. Theological Themes 1. Worshipful Fragrance Incense in the tabernacle and temple ascended as “a pleasing aroma to the Lord” (Exodus 30:1–8). Avakah offers a parallel in the marital realm: human love mirrors divine worship when it rises in purity. The pulverized state underscores brokenness and surrendered will, echoing Psalm 51:17—“a broken and contrite heart … You will not despise.” 2. Anticipation of the King The bridegroom arrives surrounded by avakah. Revelation 19:7–8 presents Christ coming for His bride clothed in “fine linen, bright and pure.” The Song’s sensory imagery anticipates that eschatological union; the fragrant powders prefigure the righteousness of saints, prepared and displayed for His procession. 3. Commercial Exchange and Redemption Avakah is merchandise of traders who appear elsewhere bearing spices to Egypt (Genesis 37:25) and bringing treasures to Solomon (1 Kings 10:2). Earthly commerce, often tainted by human sin, becomes in Song of Songs an instrument serving covenant love. Redemption transforms ordinary trade into vessels of grace. Ministry Significance • Marriage Enrichment Avakah reminds couples that cultivating intimacy requires intentional preparation. Just as spices are ground and blended, marital love deepens through daily acts of self-giving that release a pleasing “aroma” in the home (Ephesians 5:2). • Worship and Personal Devotion Believers are “the fragrance of Christ” (2 Corinthians 2:15). Private disciplines—prayer, Scripture meditation, confession—are the grinding mortar where self is reduced and Christ’s aroma released. • Evangelism The merchant’s powders attract by scent, not force. Likewise, the gospel’s beauty draws hearts when Christians embody its sweetness (Colossians 4:6). Authentic holiness is fragrant; harshness is not. Key Cross-References for Study Exodus 30:34–38; Leviticus 2:1–2; Psalm 141:2; Proverbs 27:9; Isaiah 60:6; Matthew 2:11; John 12:3; 2 Corinthians 2:14–16; Revelation 5:8. Forms and Transliterations אַבְקַ֥ת אבקת ’aḇ·qaṯ ’aḇqaṯ avKatLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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