Brief Overview of θυσιαστήριον (Strong’s G2379: thysiastḗrion)

Introduction

In Biblical studies, understanding Greek words like θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion) is essential for grasping the cultural and theological nuances of the scriptures. This term, which translates to “altar,” is particularly significant as it provides insight into worship practices, sacrifices, and the concept of approaching God. The θυσιαστήριον played a crucial role not only in Jewish worship but also in the early Christian understanding of sacrifice and devotion. Beyond the New Testament, the term also reflects ancient Greek religious and cultural practices, where altars were central to various rites and ceremonies.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion) [thoo-see-as-TAY-ree-on]
• Etymology: Derived from the root θυσία (thysía), meaning “sacrifice” or “offering,” and the suffix -τήριον (-tḗrion), denoting a place where something is done, in this case, a “place of sacrifice” or “altar.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, neuter, second declension.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• An altar, a place where sacrifices or offerings are made to a deity.
• In the New Testament, it often refers to the altar in the temple or the spiritual altar in the context of Christian worship.

Similar Words: βωμός (bōmós) [bo-MOS], meaning “altar,” also refers to a raised platform or altar but is more commonly used in secular or pagan contexts. βωμός was used in broader ancient Greek literature to refer to altars dedicated to various gods, whereas θυσιαστήριον is more specific to Jewish and Christian contexts, emphasizing a sacred or set-apart altar for Yahweh or God.

Further Insights: θυσιαστήριον is a neuter noun of the second declension. Here is the declension chart:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: θυσιαστήριον is defined as “altar,” primarily denoting the Jewish altar in the temple in Jerusalem where sacrifices were made. The term is also used metaphorically in Christian literature to describe a spiritual altar or place of devotion.

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Thayers: Describes θυσιαστήριον as “a place of sacrifice,” specifically referring to the altar in the Jewish temple. It is noted that the term can also signify the altar where Christ offered himself as a sacrifice, pointing to its spiritual symbolism in the New Testament.

Vines: Focuses on θυσιαστήριον as an “altar” and elaborates on its use in both the Old and New Testaments. It emphasizes the altar as a place where atonement and offerings are made, reflecting its significance in both Jewish rituals and Christian spiritual worship.

LSJ: The Liddell-Scott-Jones Lexicon defines θυσιαστήριον as “altar” and provides examples of its usage in various contexts, such as in Jewish and early Christian literature, as well as in broader Greek culture where altars were central to worship practices.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Describes θυσιαστήριον as “an altar,” derived from θυσία (“sacrifice”) and emphasizes its role in religious ceremonies and rituals where offerings were presented to God. It highlights its usage in both Jewish temple contexts and early Christian writings.

Related Scripture References

• Matthew 5:23-24: “Therefore, if you are presenting your offering at the altar (θυσιαστηρίῳ), and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar (θυσιαστηρίου) and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.”
• Hebrews 13:10: “We have an altar (θυσιαστήριον) from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat.”
• Revelation 6:9: “When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar (θυσιαστηρίου) the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained.”

Classical Usage

Summary of θυσιαστήριον (G2379)

The Greek word θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion) translates to “altar,” a place where sacrifices or offerings were made to God. Stemming from θυσία (“sacrifice”), this term holds great importance in both Jewish and Christian contexts. It denotes the physical altar in the Jewish temple, where offerings were presented as part of worship and atonement rituals. In the New Testament, θυσιαστήριον also carries a spiritual connotation, referring to the concept of offering oneself or one’s deeds to God in worship. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature and the Septuagint further illuminates its religious significance, both in Jewish traditions and in the broader ancient Greek cultural and religious practices.

Did You Know?

In ancient times, altars (θυσιαστήρια) were not merely places for sacrifices but also served as focal points for community gatherings, justice, and social bonding. For example, during significant festivals, the Jewish altar in Jerusalem was the center of intense religious activity, attracting thousands of worshippers who participated in sacrificial rites, prayers, and communal feasts. Similarly, Greek altars were central in public life, where civic and religious duties intertwined, highlighting the altar’s multifaceted role in both sacred and social spheres.