αἱματεκχυσία (ahimatekchusia)
ahimatekchusia
bloodshed
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun haimatekchusia refers to the act of shedding or pouring out blood. Its structure combines words for "blood" and "to pour forth," creating a vivid image of liquid being released from the body. This term appears only once in the New Testament, specifically in Hebrews 9:22.
In that context, it underscores the necessity of blood for forgiveness. The author argues that without this pouring out of blood, there is no remission of sins. The word highlights the gravity of sacrificial death, presenting it not as a minor detail but as an essential requirement for cleansing under the old covenant system.
Translators typically render haimatekchusia simply as "shedding of blood." This straightforward translation captures the literal meaning without adding theological speculation. The term serves as a stark reminder of the cost associated with atonement in biblical thought, linking the physical reality of death to spiritual purification.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word haimatekchusia paints a vivid picture of blood being poured out. It appears only once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 9:22. This single usage carries immense weight, reminding us that forgiveness is not free but costly. The author uses this term to show that under the old covenant, cleansing required a serious sacrifice.
For your faith, this word highlights the gravity of Christ’s death. It was not an accident or a minor detail. His blood was poured out intentionally to deal with sin. This reality invites us to approach God with deep gratitude and reverence, knowing that our sins have been truly dealt with through His sacrifice.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- blood-shedding1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- αἱματεκχυσίας1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of haimatekchusia, where it establishes the non-negotiable link between bloodshed and the remission of sins.