Sacred Sacrifice: ταῦρος (Strong’s G5022: tauros) Points to Perfect Atonement

Strong’s G5022: A masculine noun referring to a bull or ox, particularly significant in sacrificial contexts. In biblical usage, it often represents valuable livestock and sacrificial animals, foreshadowing the Messiah’s ultimate sacrifice and pointing to abundance in God’s kingdom.

U- Unveiling the Word

Ταῦρος carries profound significance in both cultural and theological contexts of the ancient world. As a symbol of strength and valuable property, bulls were considered among the most prestigious sacrificial animals in both Jewish and Gentile worship. In the New Testament, the word appears in contexts emphasizing abundance and celebration, particularly in the parable of the wedding feast. The early church understood ταῦρος as a type of the old covenant sacrificial system that pointed to the Messiah’s perfect sacrifice. Its usage reminds us today of both the costliness of ancient sacrifice and the supremacy of the Messiah’s once-for-all offering that superseded the need for animal sacrifices.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ταῦρος, tauros, /TAU-ros/
• Detailed Pronunciation: TAU (as in “tower”) – ros (as in “ross”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *tauros
• Cognate with Latin “taurus”
• Root word meaning “bull” or “wild ox”

D – Defining Meanings

• Bull or ox
• Sacrificial bull
• Male bovine
• Domesticated cattle

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a simple noun

Translation Options:

• Bull – Most common and direct translation
• Ox – Emphasizes domesticated nature
• Fatted calf – Contextual translation emphasizing prepared feast

E – Exploring Similar Words

• μόσχος (moschos) /MOS-khos/ – Young bull or calf
  See G3448
• βοῦς (bous) /bous/ – General term for cow or ox
  See G1016
• κτῆνος (ktēnos) /KTAY-nos/ – Domestic animal or beast of burden
  See G2934

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun, ταῦρος follows these patterns:

• Case: Nominative (ταῦρος), Genitive (ταύρου), Dative (ταύρῳ), Accusative (ταῦρον)
• Number: Singular and Plural (ταῦροι)
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

These variations appear when describing possession, indirect objects, and direct objects involving bulls.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

Lexical sources provide rich insights into ταῦρος’s significance. BDAG emphasizes its use in sacrificial contexts and festive meals. Thayer’s notes its connection to both religious ritual and agricultural life. LSJ documents extensive classical usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Vine’s highlights its significance in Jewish sacrificial system types and shadows. Strong’s connects it to concepts of strength and sacrifice. Moulton and Milligan cite papyri showing its common use in commercial transactions. LEH notes its frequent appearance in Septuagint sacrificial regulations, particularly in Leviticus and Numbers, underlining its importance in Jewish worship.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 22:4: “Then he sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.'”

Additional References:
Acts 14:13, Hebrews 9:13, Hebrews 10:4

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Ταῦρος serves as a powerful reminder of the costliness and insufficiency of the old covenant sacrificial system. Its appearances in the New Testament highlight both the abundance of God’s provision and the superiority of the Messiah’s sacrifice. The good news of King Jesus shines through as we understand that His single sacrifice accomplished what countless bulls and goats could not – perfect and permanent atonement for sin. This word points us to the completeness and finality of His redemptive work.

D – Did You Know?

1. Bulls were the most expensive animal sacrifices in ancient Jewish worship
2. The word appears in ancient Greek astronomical texts referring to the constellation Taurus
3. It shares a root with modern taxonomic terms like “Bos taurus” for domestic cattle

Strong’s G5022: A masculine noun referring to a bull or ox, particularly significant in sacrificial contexts. In biblical usage, it often represents valuable livestock and sacrificial animals, foreshadowing the Messiah’s ultimate sacrifice and pointing to abundance in God’s kingdom.

Part of speech: Noun

Tags: sacrifice, animals, worship, atonement, offerings, feasts, abundance, old-covenant, temple-worship, livestock, celebration​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​