מְנַקִּית

מְנַקִּית

a sacrificial basin (for holding blood)

Definition

מְנַקִּית refers to a specific type of bowl or basin used in the Israelite sacrificial system, primarily for holding the blood of sacrifices. It was a sacred vessel, crafted from pure gold, and formed part of the furnishings for the Tabernacle's table of showbread (Exodus 25:29, Exodus 37:16). Its function was liturgical and precise; during transport, these basins, along with other sacred items, were to be covered with a blue cloth (Numbers 4:7). The term appears in a historical context in Jeremiah 52:19, listing items plundered from the Jerusalem temple by the Babylonians, confirming its enduring role as a temple vessel.

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in cultic (worship) contexts related to the Tabernacle and later the Jerusalem Temple. All four occurrences describe it as a manufactured object of gold. In Exodus, it is listed among the items made for the Tabernacle service. In Numbers, its handling during the sanctuary's transport is prescribed. Its final mention in Jeremiah documents the looting of the temple, underscoring its value and sacred status. There is no variation in its meaning across these uses.

Etymology

Derived from the root נָקָה (nāqâ, H5352), meaning 'to be clean' or 'to be pure.' The noun form מְנַקִּית likely denotes an instrument or vessel associated with cleansing or purity, fitting its function of handling sacrificial blood, which was central to ritual purification (e.g., Leviticus 16:19).

Semantic Range

The מְנַקִּית highlights the meticulous order and holiness God required in worship. As a vessel for sacrificial blood, it points directly to the core Old Testament concept of atonement—that life (represented by blood) is required for the cleansing of sin (Leviticus 17:11). Its crafted purity (made of gold) and specific liturgical use teach that approaching a holy God demands both reverence and the means He has provided. Understanding this term enriches reading by connecting a simple object to the profound theology of sacrifice that foreshadows Christ's ultimate offering (Hebrews 9:12-14). In the ancient Near East, specialized vessels for religious rites were common, but Israel's were uniquely prescribed by God. Unlike common household bowls, the מְנַקִּית was made of solid gold, signifying its exclusive use for Yahweh's service and immense value. Its sole purpose was handling sacred blood, a substance considered powerfully potent and taboo in everyday life, which modern readers might not fully appreciate. כִּיּוֹר (kiyyôr, H3595) — a larger basin or laver for priestly washing, not specifically for blood. סֵפֶל (sēp̄el, H5592) — a general term for a bowl or dish, often for secular use like holding flour (Judges 6:38).

Word Details