from a derivative of θυσία; a place of sacrifice, i.e. an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative):--altar.
Transliteration:thysiastḗrion
Pronunciation:thoo-see-as-tay'-ree-on
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, `{{G2379}}`) is derived from θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`), meaning "sacrifice" or "offering." Consequently, θυσιαστήριον fundamentally denotes "a place of sacrifice." Its primary and consistent semantic range is "altar." This term can refer to a literal, physical structure used for offerings, or it can be employed in a figurative or spiritual sense, representing a locus of divine encounter, a point of offering, or even the sacrifice itself. The word carries the inherent theological weight of propitiation, worship, and consecration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
θυσιαστήριον appears 23 times in the New Testament. Its usage often reflects the Old Testament understanding of altars as central to worship and atonement, particularly as found in the Septuagint (LXX).
1. **Literal Altars in Jewish Worship:** The term frequently refers to the altars within the Jerusalem Temple.
* The altar of burnt offering, where animal sacrifices were made ([[Matthew 5:23-24]], [[Matthew 23:18-20]]). Jesus speaks of leaving one's gift "at the altar," emphasizing reconciliation before worship. He also declares the altar to be that which "sanctifies the gift," highlighting its sacred function.
* The altar of incense, located in the Holy Place ([[Luke 1:11]], [[Revelation 8:3]], [[Revelation 9:13]]). This altar was used for burning incense, symbolizing the prayers of the saints ascending to God. The voice from the horns of this golden altar in [[Revelation 9:13]] underscores its connection to divine judgment and revelation.
* The Epistle to the Hebrews references the Levitical priests serving "the altar" ([[Hebrews 7:13]]), pointing to the earthly sanctuary system.
2. **Pagan Altars:** The term is also used to describe altars dedicated to pagan deities.
* In [[Acts 17:23]], Paul famously refers to an Athenian altar inscribed "TO AN UNKNOWN GOD," using this as a point of contact for proclaiming the true God.
3. **Figurative and Theological Altars:** Most profoundly, θυσιαστήριον takes on a rich theological meaning, especially in the Epistle to the Hebrews and the Book of Revelation.
* [[Hebrews 13:10]]: "We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat." This is a pivotal statement. It does not refer to a physical altar but rather to Christ Himself, His unique and perfect sacrifice on the cross, which provides access to God and spiritual nourishment that surpasses the Old Covenant system. It implies that participation in Christ's sacrifice is the true "altar" for believers.
* [[Revelation 6:9]]: "I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God." Here, the altar serves as a symbolic place of divine protection, vindication, and perhaps martyrdom, where the souls of those who died for their faith rest in God's presence.
* [[Revelation 11:1]]: The command to "measure the temple of God and the altar and those who worship in it" suggests a spiritual measurement of true worship and those dedicated to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of θυσιαστήριον is enriched by examining its linguistic and conceptual relatives:
* θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`): "sacrifice, offering." This is the direct root, emphasizing that the altar's purpose is to facilitate sacrifice.
* θύω (thyō, `{{G2380}}`): "to sacrifice, to kill for sacrifice." The verb form that describes the action performed at the altar.
* ἱερεύς (hiereus, `{{G2409}}`): "priest." The one who officiates at the altar, offering sacrifices.
* προσφορά (prosphora, `{{G4376}}`): "offering, presentation." A broader term for a gift or offering, often made at an altar.
* **Old Testament Context:** The Hebrew equivalents, such as מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeakh, `{{H4196}}`), are crucial for understanding the background of θυσιαστήριον. The Old Testament altars (of burnt offering, incense) were central to the covenant relationship, atonement, and communion with God.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of θυσιαστήριον is profound, transitioning from the literal structures of the Old Covenant to the spiritual realities of the New.
1. **The Fulfillment in Christ:** The most significant theological development is found in [[Hebrews 13:10]]. The "altar" for Christians is not a physical structure but the person and work of Jesus Christ. His singular, perfect sacrifice on the cross rendered all previous animal sacrifices and their altars obsolete. He is both the ultimate sacrifice (θυσία) and the means of access to God, thus functioning as the ultimate "altar" through whom believers receive forgiveness, sanctification, and eternal life. To partake of this "altar" is to participate in the benefits of Christ's atoning death.
2. **Spiritual Sacrifice and Worship:** While the physical altar is superseded, the concept of sacrifice remains central for believers. [[Romans 12:1]] exhorts believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship." This implies a "spiritual altar" where lives consecrated to God become offerings. Similarly, [[Hebrews 13:15-16]] calls for "a sacrifice of praise" and "doing good and sharing," demonstrating that Christian worship extends beyond ritual to a life of obedience and love, offered to God.
3. **Divine Justice and Intercession:** In Revelation, the altar is a place associated with divine judgment and the prayers of the saints. The souls "under the altar" ([[Revelation 6:9]]) symbolize those who have suffered for their faith and await vindication, while the golden altar of incense ([[Revelation 8:3]]) signifies the ascent of the saints' prayers before God, leading to divine action. This highlights the altar's enduring role as a point of communion between heaven and earth, where justice is sought and divine will is enacted.
### Summary
θυσιαστήριον (thysiastḗrion, `{{G2379}}`) primarily means "altar" or "place of sacrifice." In the New Testament, it refers to both literal Jewish and pagan altars, but its most significant theological import lies in its figurative use. [[Hebrews 13:10]] reveals Christ as the ultimate "altar," signifying that His once-for-all sacrifice on the cross is the sole and sufficient means of atonement and access to God for believers. This concept transforms the understanding of sacrifice from ritualistic animal offerings to a life of spiritual worship and consecration, where believers offer themselves and their praise as living sacrifices. In Revelation, the altar also symbolizes divine justice, the prayers of the saints, and the vindication of martyrs, underscoring its enduring significance in God's redemptive plan.
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