Lexical Summary azkarah: Memorial offering, remembrance portion Original Word: אַזְכָּרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance memorial From zakar; a reminder; specifically remembrance- offering -- memorial. see HEBREW zakar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom zakar Definition a memorial offering NASB Translation memorial offering (2), memorial portion (5). Brown-Driver-Briggs אַזְכָּרָה noun feminine memorial-offering, only P (an Aramaic infinitive form; compare BaNB 90 Sta§ 224) — absolute ׳א Leviticus 24:7; suffix אַזְכָּֽרָתָהּ Leviticus 2:2 5t.; — used of the frankincense burned for the shew-bread והיתה ׳אִשֶּׁה לי ׳ללחם לאז Leviticus 24:7; elsewhere always after הקטיר, only with suffix, referring to מִנְחָה Leviticus 2:2,9,16; Leviticus 6:8; Numbers 5:26; of the meal used as חַטָּאת by the very poor Leviticus 5:12; always connected with אִשֶּׁה, except Leviticus 6:8; Numbers 5:26. Topical Lexicon Concept within the Sacrificial System The term designates the “memorial portion” that was burned on the altar from certain offerings. By reducing a handful of the grain or flour and letting its aroma ascend, the priest placed the entire gift “in remembrance” before the LORD. This act did not suggest divine forgetfulness but publicly affirmed the covenant relationship and invoked God’s faithful attention to His people. Occurrences and Ritual Settings Leviticus concentrates six of the seven uses, emphasizing the memorial portion in three main settings: Two further instances broaden the term’s reach: Symbolism and Theological Emphases 1. Representation of the Whole: The small handful stood for the entire gift, illustrating that God receives and judges the heart behind the offering, not merely its size. Liturgical Function and the Priesthood The priest’s role was essential. He identified the handful, added incense where prescribed, and ensured complete combustion. The precision safeguarded both the sanctity of the altar and the livelihood of the priestly families. In turn, Israel witnessed a visible reminder that their daily labors (grain) and weekly worship (showbread) were forever tied to God’s presence. Christological Foreshadowing The memorial portion previews the perfect offering of Jesus Christ. His self-sacrifice was entirely consumed for God’s glory, yet believers, like the priests, now live from the benefits of that one offering. The apostle’s exhortation, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1), echoes the principle that a portion—one life—can represent the many. Likewise, the Lord’s Supper operates as a “remembrance” (Luke 22:19), signaling continuity between ancient memorial portions and New Covenant worship. Practical Ministry Applications • Worship Planning: Blending praise (frankincense) with tangible gifts mirrors the memorial portion’s dual fragrance of thanksgiving and dedication. Related Themes and Cross-References • Passover as “a memorial” – Exodus 12:14 Through these interconnected strands, the memorial portion invites every generation to worship the LORD with offerings, prayers, and lives that continually rise before Him in covenant remembrance. Forms and Transliterations אַזְכָּ֣רָתָ֔הּ אַזְכָּרָתָ֖הּ אַזְכָּרָתָ֗הּ אַזְכָּרָתָה֙ אַזְכָּרָתָהּ֙ אזכרתה לְאַזְכָּרָ֔ה לאזכרה ’az·kā·rā·ṯāh ’azkārāṯāh azkaraTah lə’azkārāh lə·’az·kā·rāh leazkaRahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 2:2 HEB: הַכֹּהֵ֜ן אֶת־ אַזְכָּרָתָהּ֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חָה אִשֵּׁ֛ה NAS: shall offer [it] up in smoke [as] its memorial portion on the altar, KJV: shall burn the memorial of it upon the altar, INT: shall offer and the priest memorial the altar an offering Leviticus 2:9 Leviticus 2:16 Leviticus 5:12 Leviticus 6:15 Leviticus 24:7 Numbers 5:26 7 Occurrences |
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