CENSER (מַחְתָּה, H4746, or מִקְטֶ֫רֶת, H5233, i.e. censer, firepan, or snuffholder. NT: λιβανωτος [incense] LXX πυρεῖν, or θυμιατήριον, G2593, censer).

The problem involved appears chiefly in the OT. A maḥtah (from a root meaning “to remove”) apparently consisted of a shallow cup, or pan, with handle (short or long), which was used to remove ashes (hot or cold) from an altar, or to gather burnt parts of wicks from the lampstand, or to burn incense on hot coals placed on the pan (cf. Num 16:6). In a number of instances, when the word is tr. “censer,” it should be tr. “firepans” (Exod 27:3). It is rightly tr. “firepans” in Numbers 4:14; 1 Kings 7:50; 2 Chronicles 4:22.

Nowhere is a description of the utensil given, but the root of the term most commonly used suggests a shovel or a pan. For the Tabernacle the device was made of bronze (Exod 27:3); for the Temple of Solomon, of gold (1 Kings 7:50).

Modern censers, a bowl for hot coals, a perforated cap, and the entire contrivance hanging from a chain, were not in use in Biblical times.

The second term given above, miqtereth, signified “incense-burner.”