The meaning of “θυσία”
Understanding thysía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
sacrifice. - sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
θυσία
sacrifice. - sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 12:7 | “But if ye had known what this meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice, ye would not have condemned the guiltless.” Word: θυσία (thysía) | |
| Luke 13:1 | “There were present at that season some that told him of the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” Word: θυσία (thysía) | |
| Romans 12:1 | “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Word: θυσία (thysía) | |
| Ephesians 5:2 | “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Word: θυσία (thysía) | |
| Hebrews 10:5 | “Wherefore when he cometh into the world, he saith, Sacrifice and offering thou wouldest not, but a body hast thou prepared me:” Word: θυσία (thysía) |
Theological Word Study: Sacrifice
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Sacrifice, offering
The Hebrew zevach (זֶבַח) denotes a sacrifice or offering—an animal slaughtered for worship. Old Testament sacrifices foreshadowed Christ, 'the Lamb of God' (John 1:29).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Sacrifice, offering
The Greek thusia (θυσία) means sacrifice or offering. Christ offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice 'once for all' (Hebrews 10:10), ending the need for repeated animal sacrifices.