Perfect Offering: σφάγιον (Strong’s G4968: sphagion) Reveals True Worship

Strong’s G4968: From sphazó (to slay), σφάγιον refers to a sacrificial victim or offering in religious worship. In Acts, Stephen uses it to contrast empty ritual sacrifices with true worship, pointing to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice.

U- Unveiling the Word

σφάγιον specifically denotes a victim prepared for sacrifice or the sacrifice itself. In Stephen’s speech in Acts, he uses this term to highlight Israel’s history of false worship, contrasting empty ritualistic offerings with genuine devotion to God. The word carries deep significance in understanding the relationship between external religious practices and true heart worship. The early church saw in this term a powerful reminder that the Messiah’s sacrifice fulfilled and superseded the old sacrificial system. Today, it challenges us to examine whether our worship is merely external or flows from genuine faith and devotion.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σφάγιον, sphagion, /sfä’-gē-on/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SFAH-gee-on” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From σφάζω (sphazó) – verb meaning “to slay”
• -ιον (-ion) – diminutive suffix indicating the result or object of an action
• Related to σφαγή (sphagé) meaning “slaughter”

D – Defining Meanings

• Sacrificial victim
• Sacrificial offering
• Slaughtered animal for sacrifice

Translation Options:

• “Sacrificial victim” – Best captures the specific religious context
• “Offering” – Emphasizes the worship aspect
• “Sacrifice” – Highlights the religious purpose

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θυσία (thysia) /thü-sē’-ä/ – sacrifice, offering – See G2378
• σφαγή (sphagé) /sfä-gā’/ – slaughter – See G4967
• προσφορά (prosphora) /pros-fo-rä’/ – offering – See G4376

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a noun, σφάγιον exhibits:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Second

Examples:

• Nominative/Accusative: σφάγιον (a sacrifice)
• Genitive: σφαγίου (of a sacrifice)
• Dative: σφαγίῳ (to/for a sacrifice)
• Plural: σφάγια (sacrifices)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its technical use in sacrificial contexts. Thayer’s notes its specific reference to victims prepared for sacrifice. LSJ documents its use in pagan and Jewish religious contexts. Vine’s connects it to the broader concept of worship. Strong’s highlights its derivation from the verb meaning to slay. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in religious texts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Acts 7:42: “Did you bring me sacrifices [σφάγιον] and offerings forty years in the wilderness, house of Israel?”

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σφάγιον reminds us that true worship transcends external ritual. This word proclaims the good news that the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice fulfills all sacrificial requirements, enabling us to offer genuine worship in spirit and truth. It points to Him as the ultimate sacrifice that transforms our worship from empty ritual to living relationship.

D – Did You Know?

• The term was used in both Jewish and Greek religious contexts
• It appears in Stephen’s speech criticizing false worship
• The diminutive form (-ion) suggests personal connection to the sacrifice

Strong’s G4968: From sphazó (to slay), σφάγιον refers to a sacrificial victim or offering in religious worship. In Acts, Stephen uses it to contrast empty ritual sacrifices with true worship, pointing to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sacrifice, worship, offerings, Temple ritual, Stephen’s speech, true devotion, false worship, Acts 7, atonement, religious practice​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​