אָסוּךְ
𐤀𐤎𐤅𐤊
ʼâçûwk
H610 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A small vessel or flask used specifically for storing ointment or oil, typically for anointing purposes. In biblical contexts, denotes a container holding precious oil or ointment, especially in ceremonial or ritual contexts. The word refers to the object (the vessel) rather than the act of anointing or to the oil itself.
Semantic Range
oil or ointment flask, anointing vessel, pot for ointment, container for oil (especially for ritual or medicinal use)
Root / Etymology
From the root סוך (s-w-k), which semantically centers on the action 'to anoint, smear, apply liquid.' אָסוּךְ is a nominal formation likely signifying 'that which is used for anointing,' referring to the vessel associated with anointing rather than the act or the oil.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The word אָסוּךְ appears primarily in later biblical Hebrew (notably in 2 Kings 9:1,3) in the specific context of ritual or formal anointing. The vessel may be made of pottery or precious metal, depending on the context, indicating status or the significance of the act. It is distinct from general terms for a jug (כַּד), flask (צַפַּחַת), or bowl (גְּבִיעַ) in biblical Hebrew—אָסוּךְ has the narrow semantic range of a specialized vessel for ointment or oil. English translations often render it as 'box,' 'flask,' or 'vial,' but these lose the specificity of its ritual association. In post-biblical Hebrew, the term persists in similar contexts. The Septuagint sometimes renders the word with terms signifying 'vessel' but does not always capture its function or shape.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from סוּךְ; anointed, i.e. an oil-flask; pot.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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סוך (s-w-k) — to anoint, smear, apply oil
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H610-01 |
אָס֥וּךְ | asukhe | HNcmsc |
a jar | anointing-flask of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H610-01 |
2 Kings 4:2 | אָס֥וּךְ | asukhe | HNcmsc |
a jar | anointing-flask of |