מְבַשְּׁלָה

מְבַשְּׁלָה

a cooking hearth

Definition

The Hebrew noun מְבַשְּׁלָה (mᵉbashshᵉlâh) refers specifically to a cooking hearth or a boiling-place. It denotes a constructed area, likely with a fire and pots, used for preparing food by boiling. This term appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in Ezekiel 46:23, where it describes a feature within the temple kitchens. The context suggests it was a permanent, organized installation for large-scale food preparation, distinct from a simple, temporary fire.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only once in the entire Old Testament, in Ezekiel 46:23. It appears in the visionary description of the future temple given to the prophet Ezekiel. The context is a detailed architectural plan for the temple complex, specifically the kitchens for the priests where the sacrifices are to be cooked. The word is used in a list of structural features, indicating a designated and functional cooking area.

Etymology

The noun מְבַשְּׁלָה is derived from the root verb בָּשַׁל (bāshal, H1310), which means 'to boil, to cook, to ripen.' It is formed in a feminine noun pattern (the מְ- prefix and -ָה ending) that typically indicates the place or instrument of an action. Thus, it literally means 'a place of boiling' or 'a cooking place.'

Semantic Range

While the word itself is a mundane object, its single appearance in Ezekiel's temple vision (Ezekiel 46:23) gives it theological significance. It highlights the meticulous order, provision, and practicality within God's ideal worship system. The detailed inclusion of cooking facilities underscores that proper worship involves the holistic and orderly handling of sacred things, even down to the preparation of the sacrificial meals for the priests. Understanding this term enriches the reading of Ezekiel's vision by emphasizing God's concern for the complete functioning of His holy space. In the ancient Near East, a designated cooking hearth for a large institution like a temple would have been a significant facility. Unlike a simple household fire, it implies a permanent, masonry-built structure capable of handling large pots and the substantial quantities of meat from sacrificial animals. This reflects the temple's role not only as a place of ritual but also as a center where the priests' portions were prepared and consumed as part of their sustenance and service. אֵשׁ (ʾēsh, H784) — A general term for 'fire,' not a constructed hearth. כִּיּוֹר (kiyyôr, H3595) — A 'basin' or 'laver,' often for washing, not for cooking. תַּנּוּר (tannûr, H8574) — An 'oven' or 'furnace' typically for baking bread, not specifically for boiling.

Word Details