θυσιαστήριον (thusiastērion)
thusiastērion
altar
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 21 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun thusiastērion refers to an altar, specifically a stone or metal structure used for offering sacrifices. In the New Testament, it most commonly identifies the great bronze altar in the Temple court where burnt offerings were made, as when Jesus warns that leaving a gift there unresolved disrupts worship (Matthew 5:23-24). It also appears in references to the daily ministry of priests and the rights of those who serve at the altar (1 Corinthians 9:13).
Lexical sources note that the word extends beyond the earthly Temple. Luke records its presence in the Holy Place as the altar of incense (Luke 1:11), while Revelation uses it symbolically in heaven to depict the souls of martyrs and the prayers of saints rising before God (Revelation 6:9; 8:3). This heavenly imagery connects the physical act of sacrifice with eternal spiritual reality.
The term derives from a root meaning "to sacrifice," linking the object directly to the action performed upon it. While some traditions metaphorically apply it to the cross as the place of Christ’s expiatory death, the biblical usage remains grounded in the specific locations and rituals of ancient worship, whether on earth or in the heavenly sanctuary.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word thusiastērion, meaning 'altar', points to a place where people bring their offerings to God. In the New Testament, it often refers to the physical altar in the Temple, but its meaning stretches further. Jesus uses it to teach that relationships matter deeply; if you are offering a gift there and remember a conflict with a brother or sister, reconciliation comes first (Matthew 5:23-24). This shows that worship is not just about rituals, but about peace and love among people.
Later writings expand this idea. Revelation describes a heavenly altar where the prayers of saints rise before God, linking our earthly acts of faith to eternal reality. It reminds us that our lives, like sacrifices, are offered in service to Him. Whether in the Temple or in heaven, the altar signifies a sacred connection between humanity and the Divine, grounded in truth and devotion.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 21 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- altar16×
- altar.2×
- altar,2×
- an altar1×
- altars1×
- altar?1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θυσιαστηρίου10×
- θυσιαστήριον4×
- θυσιαστηρίῳ3×
- θυσιαστήριά1×
- θυσιαστήριον;1×
- θυσιαστήριον,1×
- θυσιαστηρίῳ.1×
- θυσιαστηρίῳ,1×
- θυσιαστηρίου.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 5:23
“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
Jesus uses the altar to prioritize interpersonal reconciliation over ritual observance.
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Revelation of John 8:3
Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne.
The heavenly altar connects the prayers of saints with the incense offered before God's throne.
-
Hebrews 13:10
We have an altar from which those who serve the holy tabernacle have no right to eat.
The author contrasts the earthly tabernacle's restrictions with a spiritual 'altar' from which believers draw strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does thusiastērion mean in the New Testament?
Why does Jesus mention the altar in Matthew 5?
Is the altar in Revelation the same as the Temple one?
Every Occurrence (21 verses across 7 books)
Matthew 6 verses
“If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,
Matthew 5:24leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer…
Matthew 23:18And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is obligated.’
Matthew 23:19You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift?
Matthew 23:20He therefore who swears by the altar, swears by it and by everything on it.
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…