זָבַח (za.vach)
za.vach
to sacrifice
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 108 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb zābach means to slaughter an animal, but in Scripture it almost always refers specifically to killing for sacrifice. While it can describe slaughtering meat for a meal or even animals in divine judgment, its primary use is religious. It appears frequently in the historical books like 1 Samuel and 1 Kings, often describing how kings or private individuals offered burnt offerings to God.
A key detail from the sources is that zābach typically describes the action of the layperson bringing the sacrifice, not the priest performing the ritual. For example, when Solomon dedicated the temple, the text notes he sacrificed a great multitude of sheep and oxen (1 Kings 8:63), highlighting his personal role in the offering. This distinction separates the act of killing from the subsequent handling of the blood or fat by the priesthood.
The word carries significant weight in narratives about worship. In 1 Kings 3, Solomon’s decision to sacrifice at Gibeon is presented as a pivotal moment of wisdom and devotion. Conversely, prophets like Hosea criticize those who sacrifice without true heart commitment (Hosea 4:14). Translators usually render zābach as "sacrifice" or "offer," capturing the physical act that signifies giving something valuable to God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zābach describes the physical act of slaughtering an animal for a sacred purpose. In the Old Testament, this verb often highlights the personal involvement of individuals in worship. When Solomon sacrificed thousands of animals at the temple dedication, the text emphasizes his direct role in the offering, not just the priests' rituals. This shows that bringing something valuable to God was seen as a tangible expression of devotion and gratitude.
While the act itself is central, Scripture consistently links sacrifice with the condition of the heart. Prophets like Hosea warned that rituals without genuine commitment were empty. The physical killing of the animal served as a symbol of giving up something precious to honor God. This connection reminds us that true worship involves both outward action and inward sincerity.
Understanding this word helps us see how ancient Israelites approached their relationship with the Divine. It was not merely about following rules but about acknowledging God’s presence through concrete acts. The emphasis on personal participation invites us to consider how we offer our time, resources, and attention in our own lives today.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 108 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to/ sacrifice13×
- and/ he sacrificed13×
- and/ they sacrificed11×
- [were] sacrificing9×
- you will sacrifice6×
- they sacrificed3×
- they sacrifice3×
- and/ you will sacrifice3×
- you will sacrifice/ it2×
- you must sacrifice2×
- they will sacrifice2×
- let us sacrifice2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/יִּזְבַּ֣ח4×
- מְזַבְּחִים֙3×
- מְזַבְּחִ֥ים3×
- וַ֠/יִּזְבַּח3×
- וַ/יִּזְבְּחוּ\־3×
- וַ/יִּזְבְּח֣וּ3×
- תִּזְבַּ֥ח2×
- נִזְבְּחָ֥ה2×
- לִ/זְבֹּ֧חַ2×
- לִ/זְבֹּ֥חַ2×
- לִ/זְבֹּ֣חַ2×
- לִ/זְבֹּ֙חַ֙2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 31:54
Jacob offered a sacrifice in the mountain, and called his relatives to eat bread. They ate bread, and stayed all night in the mountain.
Jacob’s sacrifice here marks a moment of reconciliation and covenant renewal with his family after years of separation.
-
Exodus 20:24
You shall make an altar of earth for me, and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your cattle. In every place where I record my name I will come to you and I will bless you.
God commands simple earth altars for sacrifice, showing that He values the act of worship regardless of human grandeur.
-
Leviticus 17:5
This is to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices, which they sacrifice in the open field, that they may bring them to Yahweh, to the door of the Tent of Meeting, to the priest, and sacrifice them for sacrifices of peace offerings to Yahweh.
The law requires bringing sacrifices to the tent door, preventing private worship and ensuring communal accountability before God.