### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun αἱματεκχυσία (haimatekchysía, `{{G130}}`) is a compound word formed from αἷμα (haima, `{{G129}}`), meaning "blood," and a derivative of the verb ἐκχέω (ekcheō, `{{G1632}}`), meaning "to pour out" or "to shed." Therefore, its core meaning is "an effusion of blood" or "the shedding of blood." It specifically denotes the act or process of blood being poured out, often implying a violent or sacrificial context where life is given or taken. Unlike the simple noun αἷμα, αἱματεκχυσία emphasizes the *action* of blood being released from a living being, which carries significant theological implications, particularly concerning life, death, and atonement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word αἱματεκχυσία appears only once in the New Testament, but in a highly significant theological context:
* **[[Hebrews 9:22]]**: "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission."
* In this verse, the author of Hebrews is expounding on the nature of the Old Covenant sacrificial system and its typological relationship to the New Covenant established by Christ. The phrase "without shedding of blood is no remission" (χωρὶς αἱματεκχυσίας οὐ γίνεται ἄφεσις) is a foundational statement that grounds the necessity of atonement in the giving of life.
* The "shedding of blood" here refers to the ritualistic pouring out of animal blood in Old Testament sacrifices, which served as a means of purification and propitiation for sins. This practice was divinely ordained to underscore the gravity of sin and the costly nature of forgiveness.
* The context immediately preceding this verse details the purification of the tabernacle and its vessels with blood ([[Hebrews 9:21]]), reinforcing the idea that blood was essential for making things clean and acceptable before God. The singular use of αἱματεκχυσία in this pivotal verse highlights the critical role of blood in the divine economy of salvation, setting the stage for the presentation of Christ's perfect sacrifice.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **αἷμα (haima, `{{G129}}`):** The primary component of αἱματεκχυσία, meaning "blood." In biblical thought, blood is intrinsically linked to life ([[Leviticus 17:11]]) and is therefore central to concepts of atonement, covenant, and purification.
* **ἐκχέω (ekcheō, `{{G1632}}`):** The verb "to pour out, shed." This verb is frequently used in the Septuagint and New Testament to describe the shedding of blood, often in sacrificial or violent contexts (e.g., the shedding of Christ's blood in [[Matthew 26:28]] or the blood of martyrs in [[Revelation 6:10]]).
* **Old Testament Sacrificial System:** The concept of αἱματεκχυσία is deeply rooted in the Levitical laws concerning sacrifices. The pouring out of blood on the altar was the central act of atonement, signifying the forfeiture of life as a substitute for the sinner ([[Leviticus 17:11]]). The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals, involving the shedding of blood for the sins of the nation, are a prime example.
* **Atonement (ἱλασμός, hilasmos, `{{G2434}}`):** The "shedding of blood" is the means by which atonement, or propitiation, is achieved. It bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
* **Remission/Forgiveness (ἄφεσις, aphesis, `{{G859}}`):** The direct outcome of αἱματεκχυσία as stated in [[Hebrews 9:22]]. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins.
* **Covenant:** Blood was often used to ratify covenants in the ancient world (e.g., [[Exodus 24:8]]). The "shedding of blood" of Christ established the New Covenant.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of αἱματεκχυσία is profound and multifaceted:
* **Necessity of Atonement:** The statement in [[Hebrews 9:22]] establishes a fundamental divine principle: the remission of sins requires the shedding of blood. This is not an arbitrary rule but reflects the holiness of God and the gravity of sin, which demands a life for a life.
* **Substitutionary Sacrifice:** The shedding of blood in the Old Covenant sacrifices prefigured the ultimate substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His αἱματεκχυσία on the cross was the perfect fulfillment of all previous types, providing a once-for-all atonement for sin. The innocent life of Christ was given in place of the guilty, satisfying divine justice.
* **Life and Death:** In biblical thought, blood is the essence of life ([[Leviticus 17:11]]). Therefore, the shedding of blood signifies the giving up of life, leading to death. The consequence of sin is death ([[Romans 6:23]]), and the atoning work of Christ involved His death, symbolized and actualized by the pouring out of His blood.
* **New Covenant Establishment:** Christ's αἱματεκχυσία did not merely atone for sins; it also inaugurated the New Covenant. As He stated at the Last Supper, His blood was "the blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins" ([[Matthew 26:28]]). This new covenant is founded on grace and the efficacy of His sacrifice.
* **Purification and Sanctification:** Just as the Old Covenant sanctuary and people were purified with blood, the shedding of Christ's blood purifies believers from sin and enables them to draw near to God ([[Hebrews 9:14]]).
### Summary
αἱματεκχυσία (haimatekchysía, `{{G130}}`) denotes the "shedding of blood," a concept central to biblical theology. Though appearing only once in the New Testament in [[Hebrews 9:22]], its singular usage is profoundly significant, articulating the divine principle that "without shedding of blood is no remission." This principle, deeply rooted in the Old Testament sacrificial system where the life (represented by blood) was offered for atonement, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His αἱματεκχυσία on the cross represents the perfect substitutionary sacrifice, providing the singular, efficacious means for the forgiveness of sins, establishing the New Covenant, and demonstrating the immense cost and power of divine redemption. The word thus serves as a theological cornerstone, connecting the Old Testament types to the New Testament reality of Christ's complete and final sacrifice.
TRV