מִרְקַ֫חַת
mir.qa.chat (H4842)
ointment
AI Word Study
# Mirqachat: Biblical Ointment The Hebrew word *mirqachat* (H4842) refers to ointment—a prepared substance applied to the body. Based on its three biblical occurrences, the term denotes a finished cosmetic or medicinal product rather than raw ingredients. The word's limited frequency suggests it represents a specific category of preparation, likely distinguished from other oils or unguents by its composition or method of manufacture. The rarity of *mirqachat* in the biblical text indicates it held particular significance in contexts where it appears. With only three mentions across the entire Hebrew Bible, the term likely refers to a specialized substance rather than everyday oils. This selective usage suggests the word was reserved for specific applications—whether perfumed preparations for personal care, ritual purposes, or medicinal treatment. The term's specificity contrasts with the broader vocabulary available for oils and unguents in biblical Hebrew, indicating that *mirqachat* occupied a distinct semantic space in ancient Hebrew discourse about body care and preparation.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
You shall make it into a holy anointing oil, a perfume compounded after the art of the perfumer: it shall be a holy anointing oil.
Some of the sons of the priests prepared the mixing of the spices.
They buried him in his own tomb, which he had dug out for himself in David’s city, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art; and they made a very great fire for him.