### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **thysía**, represented by `{{G2378}}`, defines the act or victim of **sacrifice**. It appears **29 times** across **29 unique verses** in the Bible. The term is used both literally, referring to ritual offerings, and figuratively, to describe spiritual acts of devotion and Christ's ultimate atonement.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G2378}}` is used to describe the offerings under the law, where priests would offer **sacrifices** for sins [[Hebrews 5:1]]. These ritual acts, however, are contrasted with God's greater desire for "mercy, and not **sacrifice**" [[Matthew 9:13]]. The ultimate application of the term is to Christ, who gave himself as "an offering and a **sacrifice** to God" [[Ephesians 5:2]], putting away sin "by the **sacrifice** of himself" [[Hebrews 9:26]]. This concept is then extended to believers, who are called to present their bodies as a "living **sacrifice**" [[Romans 12:1]] and to offer "spiritual **sacrifices**" that are well pleasing to God ([[Hebrews 13:16]], [[1 Peter 2:5]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller picture of the concept of sacrifice:
* `{{G2379}}` **thysiastḗrion** (a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar): This word denotes the location where a sacrifice is presented. It is used in the context of those who eat of the **sacrifices** being "partakers of the **altar**" [[1 Corinthians 10:18]].
* `{{G4376}}` **prosphorá** (presentation; concretely, an oblation (bloodless) or sacrifice): This term for an **offering** is often used alongside thysía. Christ gave himself as an **offering** and a sacrifice [[Ephesians 5:2]], and Hebrews contrasts God's lack of desire for **sacrifice** and **offering** under the law with the body prepared for Christ [[Hebrews 10:5]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat): This verb describes the action of bringing a sacrifice. High priests are ordained to **offer** both gifts and sacrifices [[Hebrews 5:1]], and faith led Abel to **offer** a more excellent sacrifice to God [[Hebrews 11:4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2378}}` is demonstrated in its progression throughout the New Testament.
* **The Inadequacy of Ritual Sacrifice:** The Old Testament sacrifices are presented as a temporary "shadow of good things to come" [[Hebrews 10:1]] that could "never take away sins" [[Hebrews 10:11]]. These earthly rituals could not make the worshiper perfect in their conscience [[Hebrews 9:9]].
* **The Finality of Christ's Sacrifice:** The theological focus of `{{G2378}}` culminates in Jesus Christ. He offered "one **sacrifice** for sins for ever" [[Hebrews 10:12]] and appeared once "to put away sin by the **sacrifice** of himself" [[Hebrews 9:26]]. Because of His "better **sacrifices**" [[Hebrews 9:23]], "there remaineth no more **sacrifice** for sins" [[Hebrews 10:26]].
* **The Believer's Spiritual Sacrifice:** The concept is reapplied to believers, who are urged to present their bodies as a "living **sacrifice**" [[Romans 12:1]]. This new form of offering includes "the **sacrifice** of praise" [[Hebrews 13:15]] and doing good, which are described as **sacrifices** with which God "is well pleased" [[Hebrews 13:16]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2378}}` is a pivotal theological term that moves from literal ritual to spiritual reality. It begins with the animal **sacrifices** of the law, which are shown to be an insufficient shadow of what was to come [[Hebrews 10:1]]. The word's meaning finds its ultimate fulfillment in the singular, perfect **sacrifice** of Christ on the cross [[Hebrews 9:26]]. Finally, it is transformed to describe the believer's life of worship, service, and praise, offered to God as a holy and acceptable spiritual **sacrifice** ([[Romans 12:1]], [[1 Peter 2:5]]).
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