The meaning of “זֶבַח”
Understanding zebach reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
offer(-ing), sacrifice. - properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal - by implication, a sacrifice (the victim o...
זֶבַח
offer(-ing), sacrifice. - properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal - by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act) 1) sacrifice 1a) sacrifices of righteousness 1b) sacrifices of strife 1c) sacrifices to dead things 1d) the covenant sacrifice 1e) the passover 1f) annual sacrifice 1g) thank offering
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 46:1 | “And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beer–sheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.” Word: זֶבַח (zebach) | |
| Joshua 22:27 | “But that it may be a witness between us, and you, and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the Lord before him with our burnt offerings, and with our sacrifices, and with our peace offerings; that your children may not say to our children in time to come, Ye have no part in the Lord.” Word: זֶבַח (zebach) | |
| 2 Kings 10:24 | “And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed fourscore men without, and said, If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escape, he that letteth him go, his life shall be for the life of him.” Word: זֶבַח (zebach) | |
| Proverbs 17:1 | “Better is a dry morsel, and quietness therewith, than an house full of sacrifices with strife.” Word: זֶבַח (zebach) | |
| Daniel 9:27 | “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate. ” Word: זֶבַח (zebach) |
Usage Statistics
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.