αἷμα (ahima)
ahima
blood
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 93 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek word haima simply means blood, yet its usage in Scripture spans from physical biology to profound theological symbolism. In the Gospels, it appears in straightforward narratives, such as the woman healed by touching Jesus’ garment (Mark 5:25) or the soldier piercing Jesus’ side to confirm His death (John 19:34). These passages ground the word in tangible reality, reminding readers that the events of faith occurred in physical bodies.
Beyond literal blood, the term carries rich metaphorical weight. It denotes kinship and origin, as when John describes believers born not of blood but of God (John 1:13). It also signifies violent death or guilt, evident in Jesus’ lament over Jerusalem’s history of killing prophets (Matthew 23:35) and the early church’s avoidance of food from strangled animals (Acts 15:20).
The most significant theological usage centers on sacrifice. In Hebrews and the Gospels, haima refers to the blood of Christ shed for the forgiveness of sins (Matthew 26:28; Hebrews 9:22). Here, the word encapsulates the idea that life is given for life, marking a decisive shift from animal offerings to the ultimate atonement achieved through Jesus’ death.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word haima points to the tangible reality of Jesus’ sacrifice. In Matthew 26:28, He calls His blood the seal of a new covenant poured out for forgiveness. This is not abstract theology but a historical event where life was given for life. It reminds us that God entered our physical world to redeem it.
Beyond the cross, this word highlights how we are born again. John 1:13 tells us believers are born not of blood or human will, but of God. This shifts our identity from biological accident to divine choice. It offers comfort that our standing before God rests on His initiative, not our own strength.
Whether reflecting on the woman healed in Mark 5 or the promise of eternal life in John 6, haima connects us to the source of grace. It invites trust in a Savior who bore the cost of sin so we might have peace with God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 93 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- blood67×
- blood,6×
- of blood5×
- [the] blood4×
- blood;3×
- blood.3×
- with blood,1×
- with blood1×
- to [the] blood1×
- of [the] blood1×
- of Blood.1×
- of Blood1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἷμα33×
- αἵματος30×
- αἵματι13×
- αἷμα,4×
- αἷμά3×
- αἷμα.3×
- αἵματι,3×
- αἵματί2×
- αἵματος.2×
- αἵματος,2×
- αἵματι·2×
- αἷμα·1×
Key Verses
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Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
This verse defines the theological purpose of Jesus' blood as the seal of the new covenant and the means for the remission of sins.
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John 1:13
who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Here the word distinguishes physical descent from spiritual rebirth, emphasizing that faith comes from God rather than human lineage.
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Mark 5:29
Immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction.
This narrative occurrence shows the immediate power of Jesus to heal, grounding the theological concept in a concrete historical miracle.
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John 6:54
He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.
Jesus links drinking His blood directly to possessing eternal life and being raised on the last day, establishing a vital spiritual connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does haima mean in the New Testament?
How is haima different from other words for life or soul?
Why does John say we are not born of blood?
Every Occurrence (93 verses across 14 books)
Matthew 10 verses
Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father…
Matthew 23:30and say, ‘If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn’t have been partakers with them in the blood of the…
Matthew 23:35that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of…
Matthew 26:28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
Matthew 27:4saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”
Matthew 27:6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It’s not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the…
Matthew 27:8Therefore that field has been called “The Field of Blood” to this day.
Matthew 27:24So when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a disturbance was starting, he took water and washed…
Matthew 27:25All the people answered, “May his blood be on us and on our children!”
Matthew 27:49The rest said, “Let him be. Let’s see whether Elijah comes to save him.”