Sacred Sacrifice: σφαγή (Strong’s G4967: sphagé) Reveals Messiah’s Atoning Death

Strong’s G4967: From sphazó (to slay), σφαγή describes sacrificial slaughter, particularly in relation to the Messiah as the Lamb of God. This term carries deep theological significance, connecting Temple sacrifices to His ultimate atoning death.

U- Unveiling the Word

σφαγή carries profound sacrificial connotations in both Jewish and Christian contexts. The word specifically denotes ritual slaughter or sacrifice, particularly in relation to Temple worship. In the New Testament, it takes on deeper meaning through its application to the Messiah’s sacrificial death, as seen in the quotation from Isaiah 53 in Acts 8:32. The early church recognized this term as a crucial link between Old Testament sacrificial system and the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice. Today, it helps us understand the depth and significance of His atoning work on our behalf.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σφαγή, sphagé, /sfä-gā’/
• Pronunciation Guide: “sfah-GAY” (stress on second syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From root σφάζω (sphazó) meaning “to slay”
• -η (-é) feminine noun ending
• Related to Indo-European root *sp(h)eg- meaning “to cut”

D – Defining Meanings

• Slaughter (especially ritual)
• Sacrifice
• Violent death

Translation Options:

• “Slaughter” – Best captures the sacrificial aspect
• “Ritual killing” – Emphasizes the ceremonial nature
• “Sacrificial death” – Highlights the religious significance

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θυσία (thysia) /thü-sē’-ä/ – sacrifice, offering – See G2378
• σφάζω (sphazó) /sfä’-zō/ – to slay, slaughter – See G4969
• θύω (thyó) /thü’-ō/ – to sacrifice, kill – See G2380

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σφαγή exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Feminine
• Declension: First

Examples:

• Nominative: σφαγή (slaughter)
• Genitive: σφαγῆς (of slaughter)
• Dative: σφαγῇ (for/to slaughter)
• Accusative: σφαγήν (slaughter as object)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its sacrificial context in religious usage. Thayer’s connects it to Temple ritual and the Messiah’s death. LSJ notes its use in classical Greek for ritual slaughter. Vine’s highlights its significance in Isaiah’s prophecy. Strong’s emphasizes the violent nature of the death. Moulton and Milligan document its use in sacrificial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 8:32: “He was led like a sheep to the [σφαγή] slaughter, and as a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open His mouth.”

Additional References:

• Romans 8:36
• James 5:5

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σφαγή powerfully connects the Old Testament sacrificial system to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice. This word proclaims the good news that through His sacrificial death, He fulfilled all sacrificial requirements once and for all, opening the way for our complete redemption.

D – Did You Know?

• The word was used technically in Temple ritual instructions
• It appears in the Septuagint translation of Isaiah 53
• Early Christians used this term to explain the Messiah’s death to Jewish audiences

Strong’s G4967: From sphazó (to slay), σφαγή describes sacrificial slaughter, particularly in relation to the Messiah as the Lamb of God. This term carries deep theological significance, connecting Temple sacrifices to His ultimate atoning death.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sacrifice, atonement, Temple worship, Isaiah 53, Lamb of God, redemption, crucifixion, ritual slaughter, substitutionary death, salvation​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​