Pronunciation Guide: hay-mah-tek-khoo-SEE-ah

Basic Definition

Strong’s G130: A compound noun referring to the pouring out or shedding of blood, specifically in the context of sacrificial offerings and atonement. This rare and theologically significant term emphasizes the deliberate action of blood being poured out or shed for ceremonial and sacrificial purposes.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Compound noun formed from αἷμα (haima, “blood”) and ἔκχυσις (ekchysis, “pouring out”)
• Used exclusively in sacrificial/ceremonial contexts
• Found only once in the New Testament
• Appears in theological and ritual discussions
• Primary usage in teaching passages

αἱματεκχυσία Morphology:

• αἱματεκχυσία (nominative singular) – blood-shedding
• αἱματεκχυσίας (genitive singular) – of blood-shedding
• αἱματεκχυσίᾳ (dative singular) – in/with blood-shedding

Origin & History

The term αἱματεκχυσία represents a specialized Christian compound word that doesn’t appear in classical Greek literature. Its components, however, have rich historical usage. The root word αἷμα appears frequently in Greek medical writings, particularly in the Hippocratic corpus, where it refers to blood as the vital fluid of life.

The second component, derived from ἐκχύνω (ekchynō), appears in various classical sources, including Herodotus’s Histories, where it describes the pouring out of libations. The combination of these terms into αἱματεκχυσία appears to be a distinctly biblical Greek formation, crafted to express the unique theological concept of sacrificial blood-shedding.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• The ritual act of pouring out blood for sacrificial purposes
• The ceremonial shedding of blood for atonement
• The necessary outpouring of blood for spiritual cleansing

αἱματεκχυσία Translation Options:

• “Shedding of blood” – Emphasizes the active process
• “Blood-outpouring” – Highlights the ceremonial nature
• “Blood-shedding” – Captures both the action and purpose
• “Sacrificial bleeding” – Focuses on the ritualistic aspect

Biblical Usage

The term appears exclusively in Hebrews 9:22, where it serves as a crucial theological term explaining the necessity of blood sacrifice in God’s covenant system. The author uses it to establish the fundamental principle that forgiveness of sins requires the shedding of blood, connecting the Old Testament sacrificial system to the ultimate sacrifice of the Messiah.

This singular usage occurs in a context that bridges the old and new covenants, demonstrating how the various blood sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed forward to and found their fulfillment in the Messiah’s ultimate sacrifice.

• “And according to the Law, one may almost say, all things are cleansed with blood, and without αἱματεκχυσία (shedding of blood) there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22

Cultural Insights

In the ancient Near Eastern world, blood played a central role in religious and cultural practices. The Israelite sacrificial system was unique in its emphasis on blood as the means of atonement, setting it apart from neighboring cultures that often practiced human sacrifice or viewed blood primarily as food for their deities.

The concept of αἱματεκχυσία would have resonated deeply with first-century Jewish readers who were intimately familiar with the Temple sacrificial system. The daily sacrifice of animals and the special ceremonies on Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) involved careful handling and application of blood, making this term particularly meaningful in explaining the significance of the Messiah’s sacrifice.

Theological Significance

The term αἱματεκχυσία encapsulates a fundamental principle in biblical theology: the absolute necessity of blood sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. This concept finds its roots in Leviticus 17:11, where יהוה (Yahweh) declares that He has given blood on the altar to make atonement.

The singular use of this term in Hebrews serves to connect the entire Old Testament sacrificial system with its fulfillment in the Messiah’s death. It emphasizes that His sacrifice wasn’t merely one way of achieving redemption—it was the only way, being the culmination of God’s predetermined plan for salvation.

Personal Application

Understanding αἱματεκχυσία should deepen our appreciation for the cost of our salvation. The graphic nature of this term reminds us that forgiveness came at a tremendous price—the actual shedding of the Messiah’s blood. This sobering reality should inspire both gratitude and reverence.

This understanding should also influence how we view sin and forgiveness. The necessity of blood-shedding reveals both the severity of sin and the magnificence of God’s grace in providing a perfect sacrifice through His Son.

Related Words

• αἷμα (haima) – blood, bloodshed; emphasizes the substance itself See G129
• ῥαντισμός (rhantismos) – sprinkling, especially of blood; focuses on the application method See G4473
• θυσία (thysia) – sacrifice, offering; broader term for sacrificial acts See G2378
• καθαρισμός (katharismos) – purification, cleansing; result of blood application See G2512

Did you Know?

• The Greek medical world used related terms for bloodletting, a common medical practice, but αἱματεκχυσία was reserved exclusively for sacrificial contexts, highlighting its sacred nature.
• The compound structure of αἱματεκχυσία is relatively rare in biblical Greek, suggesting it was specifically crafted to express this unique theological concept.
• The principle of blood atonement is found in virtually every book of the Bible, making αἱματεκχυσία a term that encapsulates one of Scripture’s most pervasive themes.

Remember This

αἱματεκχυσία stands as an eternal reminder that our redemption required nothing less than the precious blood of the Messiah—the perfect and final sacrifice for sin.