Sacred Sacrifice: σφάζω (Strong’s G4969: sphazó) Reveals Divine Redemption Plan

Strong’s G4969: A primary verb meaning to slay, particularly in sacrificial contexts, σφάζω connects the Messiah’s sacrificial death with ancient religious ritual. Used both literally and figuratively, it emphasizes the sacrificial nature of His atoning work.

U- Unveiling the Word

σφάζω carries profound theological significance as it bridges ritual sacrifice and redemptive death. Originally denoting ritual slaughter in religious contexts, it gained deeper meaning in the New Testament through its application to the Messiah as the Lamb who was slain. From Cain’s murder of Abel to the Lamb’s sacrifice in Revelation, this word traces the arc of redemptive history. The early church recognized this term as vital for understanding the Messiah’s sacrificial death. Today, it helps us grasp both the horror of sin and the magnificence of divine redemption.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σφάζω, sphazó, /sfä’-zō/
• Pronunciation Guide: “SFAH-zoh” (stress on first syllable)
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• Primary verb possibly from Indo-European root *sphag-
• Related to Sanskrit “sphij” meaning “to hurt”
• Ultimate root meaning “to cut” or “to kill”

D – Defining Meanings

• To slaughter (especially ritually)
• To kill by violence
• To sacrifice

Translation Options:

• “To slaughter” – Best captures both ritual and violent aspects
• “To slay” – Traditional translation emphasizing violent death
• “To sacrifice” – Highlights religious context

E – Exploring Similar Words

• θύω (thyó) /thü’-ō/ – to sacrifice, kill – See G2380
• ἀποκτείνω (apokteinó) /ä-po-ktā’-nō/ – to kill – See G615
• σφαγή (sphagé) /sfä-gā’/ – slaughter – See G4967

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, σφάζω exhibits:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist, Perfect
• Voice: Active, Passive
• Mood: Indicative, Subjunctive, Participle
• Person: First, Second, Third
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Perfective, Imperfective

For example:

• σφάζω – Present active (I slaughter)
• ἐσφάγην – Aorist passive (I was slaughtered)
• ἐσφαγμένος – Perfect passive participle (having been slaughtered)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its ritual and sacrificial usage. Thayer’s notes its progression from general killing to sacred sacrifice. LSJ documents its technical use in religious contexts. Vine’s connects it to the Lamb’s sacrifice in Revelation. Strong’s highlights its primary meaning of ritual slaughter. Moulton and Milligan note its frequent use in sacrificial contexts.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
1 John 3:12: “Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew [σφάζω] his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.”

Additional References:

• Revelation 5:6
• Revelation 5:9
• Revelation 5:12
• Revelation 6:9
• Revelation 13:3

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σφάζω powerfully connects human violence with divine redemption. This word proclaims the good news that the Messiah transformed the violence of sacrificial death into the means of our salvation. Through His being “slain,” He conquered death and opened the way to eternal life.

D – Did You Know?

• The word appears most frequently in Revelation describing the Lamb
• It’s used both for Cain’s murder and Messiah’s sacrifice, showing sin’s cost
• Ancient Greek medical writers used it for surgical incisions

Strong’s G4969: A primary verb meaning to slay, particularly in sacrificial contexts, σφάζω connects the Messiah’s sacrificial death with ancient religious ritual. Used both literally and figuratively, it emphasizes the sacrificial nature of His atoning work.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: sacrifice, slaughter, Lamb of God, redemption, ritual killing, Revelation, atonement, violence, salvation, divine purpose​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​