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Sacrifice is a central theme in the Bible, symbolizing humanity’s relationship with God through offerings of atonement, thanksgiving, and worship. By exploring the etymology of the Hebrew and Greek words for sacrifice, we can uncover the deeper theological and cultural dimensions of this pivotal concept.
Hebrew: זֶבַח (Zebach)
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the primary word for sacrifice is zebach (זֶבַח), which refers to offerings made in a ritual context, particularly animal sacrifices. Derived from the root zavach (זָבַח), meaning “to slaughter,” zebach highlights the physical act of offering life as a symbol of devotion or atonement. Passages like Leviticus 3 emphasize the importance of peace offerings (zebachim) in fostering communion with God.
Another significant term, olah (עֹלָה), refers to a burnt offering. Derived from the root alah (עָלָה), meaning “to ascend,” it reflects the rising smoke of the sacrifice, symbolizing the offering’s ascent to God. Genesis 22:2 uses olah to describe Abraham’s intended sacrifice of Isaac, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
A third term, minchah (מִנְחָה), meaning “gift” or “grain offering,” emphasizes the giving of non-animal offerings as an act of gratitude or devotion, as seen in Leviticus 2. Together, these terms reveal the multifaceted nature of sacrifice in the Hebrew tradition: an act of worship, atonement, and thanksgiving.
Greek: Θυσία (Thysia)
In the New Testament, the Greek word thysia (θυσία) is the most common term for sacrifice. Rooted in the verb thyo (θύω), meaning “to slaughter” or “to offer,” thysia aligns closely with its Hebrew counterpart zebach. It appears in contexts emphasizing both literal sacrifices and spiritual acts of worship, such as Romans 12:1, which calls believers to present their bodies as a “living sacrifice.”
The term prosphora (προσφορά), meaning “offering,” is also significant. Derived from prosphero (προσφέρω), “to bring forward,” it highlights the act of presenting gifts to God, as seen in Hebrews 10:14, where Christ’s self-offering is described as perfecting believers for all time.
Another term, hilasterion (ἱλαστήριον), often translated as “propitiation” or “atoning sacrifice,” emphasizes the role of Christ’s death in reconciling humanity to God (e.g., Romans 3:25).
Theological Implications
The etymology of sacrifice in the Bible reveals a rich array of meanings: an act of offering life, expressing gratitude, and securing reconciliation. The Hebrew terms highlight the ritual and symbolic aspects of sacrifice, while the Greek terms illuminate its fulfillment in Christ’s ultimate self-offering. Together, they underscore sacrifice as both a human response to God’s holiness and a divine means of restoring relationship with Him.
This article draws upon insights from the Etymological Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew: Based on the Commentaries of Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Etymological Dictionary of Greek (2010) by Robert Beekes. Commentaries are informed by these sources but are not exhaustive or definitive. Readers are encouraged to consult the original texts for deeper study and context.
