θύω

thýō /thoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Meaninga primary verb; properly, to rush (breathe hard, blow, smoke), i.e. (by implication) to sacrifice (properly, by fire, but genitive case); by extension to immolate (slaughter for any purpose)
KJV usagekill, (do) sacrifice, slay.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word thýō, represented by G2380, is a primary verb used to mean to sacrifice, immolate, or kill. It appears 15 times across 13 unique verses in the Bible. The term is applied to actions ranging from the slaughter of animals for a feast to the sacred act of ritual sacrifice and the destructive work of evil.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G2380 is used in several distinct contexts. It signifies killing for a celebration, as when the father of the prodigal son commands to kill the fatted calf upon his return Luke 15:23. It is also used for preparing a feast, such as the marriage supper for which oxen and fatlings are killed Matthew 22:4. The word is central to religious ritual, particularly in the context of the Passover, which must be killed at the appointed time (Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7). This contrasts with its use to describe pagan worship, where Gentiles sacrifice to devils 1 Corinthians 10:20, and to define malicious intent, as the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy John 10:10.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of G2380:

  • G3957 páscha (the Passover): This term for the sacred festival is directly linked to G2380, as the ritual required that the passover must be killed Luke 22:7.
  • G2090 hetoimázō (to prepare): This word often precedes the act of G2380, signifying intent and purpose. The host of the marriage feast has prepared his dinner, for which his fatlings are killed Matthew 22:4.
  • G4618 siteutós (fatted): This adjective describes an animal specially prepared for slaughter and is used in the parable of the prodigal son, where the father killed the fatted calf in celebration Luke 15:23.
  • G622 apóllymi (to destroy fully): This word is paired with G2380 to describe the complete and malevolent purpose of the thief, who comes not only to kill but also to destroy John 10:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G2380 is significant and multifaceted.

  • Christ as the Passover Sacrifice: The most profound use of G2380 redefines the Passover ritual. Paul states that "Christ our passover G3957 is sacrificed G2380 for us," elevating the word from a physical act to the foundational event of Christian atonement 1 Corinthians 5:7.
  • The Nature of Idolatry: The term is used to distinguish true worship from false. The actions of the Gentiles are defined as a sacrifice G2380 to devils, not to God, framing idolatry as a misdirected act of sacred devotion 1 Corinthians 10:20.
  • Destructive vs. Redemptive Killing: The intent behind the action is critical. The thief's purpose is to kill G2380 in a destructive sense John 10:10. In contrast, the father in the parable of the prodigal son has the calf killed G2380 as an act of joyous restoration and reconciliation Luke 15:23.

Summary

In summary, G2380 is far more than a simple word for killing. It captures a spectrum of meaning, from the joyful preparation of a feast to the solemn fulfillment of religious law and the malicious work of an enemy. The word's ultimate significance is realized in its application to Christ, who was sacrificed as the true Passover lamb. Thus, thýō demonstrates how the motivation behind an action—whether for celebration, worship, or destruction—determines its final meaning.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 14 occurrences, inflected in 11 grammatical forms.

  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Singular 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Infinitive 2×
  • Aorist Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Active Subjunctive 3rd Singular 1×
  • Aorist Passive Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Imperfect Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Perfect Passive Participle Nominative Plural Neuter 1×
  • Present Passive Infinitive 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Neuter
Neuter grammatical gender.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 13 verses across 6 books. Most frequent in Luke (4 verses).

1
Matthew
1
Mark
4
Luke
1
John
4
Acts
2
1 Corinthians

Verse Explorer

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