70. כפתורים Θυίσκας. Exod. xxv. 29. xxxvii. 16.PHIALA. This Word is generally translated by a Phial, or Vial, which signifies a little Glass Bottle. But it is certain, that the Greek Word Phiale, and the Latin Word Phiala, rather signifes a Cup,1 a large open Vessel, something like a Plate or Bason. St. Jerome often uses the Word Phiala in his Translation, and it answers to the Hebrew Word Kaphoth, which signifies the Palm of the Hand, or Spoons. It is plain that this Word signifies a Vessel wherein to put Incense. In Numbers vii. 14. the Heads of the Families that offer the Caphoth, present them always full of Incense; and in the Books of Kings, Censers and Caphoth are always join’d together. It was therefore a kind of Cup, in which the Incense was placed upon the Shew-bread. See Levit. xxiv. 7. Pones super eos (panes) thus lucidissimum. The Septuagint have very well render’d this Word by Thuiske, derived from thus, a Box of Incense. It may be translated in Latin by Acerra. Many of ‘em are found represented in the antient Marbles, but they are generally in the Form of oblong and square Boxes.
In the Book of Judges, ch. v. 25. St. Jerome has translated the Hebrew Word Sepul, which signifies Simpulum,2 by Phiala. In Phiala principum obtulit butyrum. The Simpulum was an Instrument with an Handle, the Extremity of which very nearly resembled our Spoon. They made use of it to fill out Wine, and to make Libations with it at Sacrifices. It appears pretty often upon antient Medals, among the Instruments of Sacrifices.
Ezr. i. 9. 70אגרטלים . Ψυκτῆρες. Nehem. vii. 70. 70מזרקות . Φιάλας. Amos vi. 6.In the Book of Ezra, i. 9. they translate the Hebrew, or rather Chaldean Word Agartalim by Phiala. In Nehemiah vii. 70. St. Jerome has put Phialas for the Hebrew Word Misrakoth, which signifies rather pateras, or other Utensils to make Libations, or to pour out Liquors. Amos makes use of the same Term, to express the Cups that rich Men were served in at their Tables. Bibenti vinum in phialis. The HebrewZech. ix. 15. xiv. 20. says, in Misrakim. And Zechariah acquaints us, that these Implements3 were us’d to make Libations of Wine upon the Altar. Replebuntur ut phialæ, & quasi cornua altaris. It seems therefore by all these Passages, that Phiala does not signify a Vial. The same thing still appears from Rev. 5. 8.the Revelations, where St. John represents to us the twenty-four Elders, having Cups in their Hands, or a kind of Censers, full of Spices and Perfumes. Phialas plenas odoramentorum. And elsewhere, the seven Angels holding seven golden Cups full of the Wrath of God triumphing, which they pour out upon the Earth.
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