θυμιάω

From the study of 1 Maccabees 4:50

Range of meaning

To make something smoke as an offering, i.e. to burn incense. In Greek literature it can cover burning incense or aromatics to any god. In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) it mostly translates Hebrew qatar / hiqtir, "make (an offering) go up in smoke."

Against the English

"Burned incense" (KJV, Brenton, WEB) is accurate. English cannot show that one Greek word names a whole priestly ritual.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exodus 30:7–8 LXX: Aaron "shall burn incense" (θυμιάσει) on the incense altar every morning and evening when he tends the lamps. Luke 1:9 uses the same verb for Zechariah's turn to offer incense in the sanctuary, which shows the daily rite was still running in the first century.

From the study of Luke 1:9

Range of meaning

To burn incense, to make an aromatic offering (from thymos/thyō, smoke, sacrifice). In Jewish use, specifically to offer the sacred incense (qᵉṭōret) on the golden altar.

Against the English

'Burn incense' (BSB, KJV, WEB) is accurate. YLT's 'make perfume' is literal-minded but misleading today.

Used elsewhere in the period

Exodus 30:1–10, 34–38 commands a special incense mixture, burned on the gold altar every morning and evening and forbidden for private use. The Greek Old Testament uses thymiama for this incense. Mishnah Tamid 5:2 – 6:3 describes the rite: a priest chosen by a lot open only to those who had never offered it, assistants preparing the altar, and the officiant left alone in the sanctuary to pour the incense on the coals, bow, and come out. Psalm 141:2 ('let my prayer be set before you as incense') links incense with prayer, as Luke 1:10 and Revelation 5:8; 8:3–4 do.