Refers to the fragrant material burned in worship, producing smoke that rises symbolically toward heaven. In the Temple setting of Luke 1:10-11, the whole assembly prays outside while Zechariah burns incense at the altar — the moment an angel appears to announce John's birth. In Revelation, incense becomes richly symbolic: the golden bowls full of incense represent the prayers of the saints (Rev 5:8), and an angel offers much incense with prayers on the golden altar before the throne (Rev 8:3-4). The Spanish 'incienso' and French 'encens' both derive from the Latin 'incensum,' preserving the association with burning.