זֶ֫בַח (ze.vach)
ze.vach
sacrifice
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 141 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun zebach refers to a sacrifice, specifically one involving the slaughter of an animal whose meat is shared in a communal meal. Derived from a root meaning "to slaughter," it denotes both the act of killing and the resulting feast. Unlike a burnt offering that is entirely consumed by fire, a zebach typically involves parts being offered to God while the rest is eaten by the worshippers, marking it as a covenantal or thanksgiving event.
In Scripture, this term appears frequently in Leviticus and Samuel to describe solemn gatherings centered on food and fellowship. It stands in contrast to grain offerings, which are bloodless, highlighting that zebach always involves life given through death. The word covers various specific types, including the Passover meal and annual family feasts, emphasizing that these rituals were not just abstract rites but shared meals that reinforced community bonds.
Translators usually render zebach as "sacrifice" or "offering," capturing its dual nature as both a ritual act and a physical banquet. The sources note its use in contexts ranging from joyful thanksgiving to solemn covenant renewals, such as the feast between Jacob and Laban. This usage underscores that ancient Israelite worship often combined reverence with communal celebration, where sharing food was integral to honoring God.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word zebach describes a sacrifice that is also a shared meal. In ancient Israel, this was not just a ritual act but a communal event where worshippers ate together after offering parts of an animal to God. This practice highlights how worship involved both reverence for the divine and fellowship among people. When we think about our own lives, it reminds us that faith often thrives in community, where sharing food and stories strengthens bonds between individuals.
For Christians today, this idea carries deep meaning. It points to the importance of gathering together as believers, celebrating God's blessings with one another. Whether through communion or simple meals, these moments reflect the joy of being united in Christ. They remind us that worship is not confined to specific actions but extends into how we care for each other and build relationships rooted in love.
As you consider your own journey, remember that God values both personal devotion and communal connection. Just as zebach brought people together around a table, so too does the gospel invite us into a shared life with Him and with one another. May this truth encourage you to seek out opportunities for fellowship and gratitude in your daily walk.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 141 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] sacrifice of23×
- a sacrifice16×
- and/ to/ [the] sacrifice of13×
- sacrifices of11×
- sacrifices11×
- sacrifices/ your6×
- a sacrifice of6×
- sacrifice5×
- from/ [the] sacrifice of5×
- sacrifices/ their4×
- from/ [the] sacrifices of4×
- and/ sacrifices/ your4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- זֶ֣בַח14×
- וּ/לְ/זֶ֣בַח12×
- זֶ֥בַח8×
- זִבְחֵ֣י8×
- זֶ֖בַח7×
- מִ/זֶּ֣בַח4×
- זָֽבַח\׃4×
- זֶֽבַח\־4×
- זֶ֤בַח3×
- זְבָחִ֣ים3×
- מִ/זִּבְחֵ֖י2×
- לְ/זֶ֥בַח2×
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.
This verse shows zebach as a moment of reconciliation, where Jacob and his relatives share a meal after resolving their conflict.
-
Exodus 12:27
that you shall say, ‘It is the sacrifice of Yahweh’s Passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians, and spared our houses.’” The people bowed their heads and worshiped.
Here, zebach refers specifically to the Passover sacrifice, linking it to God's deliverance and protection of Israel.
-
Leviticus 7:15
The flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten on the day of his offering. He shall not leave any of it until the morning.
This passage emphasizes the urgency of eating the sacrifice promptly, underscoring its role in thanksgiving and communal celebration.
-
Exodus 18:12
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. Aaron came with all the elders of Israel, to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God.
Jethro’s offering illustrates how zebach could unite different groups in worship, fostering unity across cultural boundaries.