from a derivative of a compound of ὅλος and a derivative of καίω; a wholly-consumed sacrifice ("holocaust"):--(whole) burnt offering.
Transliteration:holokaútōma
Pronunciation:hol-ok-ow'-to-mah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word `{{G3646}}` (holokaútōma) denotes a "whole burnt offering" or "burnt sacrifice." Its etymology reveals its precise meaning: it is a compound derived from `{{G3644}}` (hólos), meaning "whole" or "complete," and a derivative of `{{G2545}}` (kaíō), meaning "to burn." Thus, holokaútōma literally signifies "that which is wholly burned." This defines the essential characteristic of this particular sacrifice in ancient Israelite worship: the entire animal, after its blood was shed, was consumed by fire on the altar, with nothing left for human consumption. This complete consumption symbolized total dedication, consecration, and the ascent of the offering's essence to God, distinguishing it from other sacrifices where portions were eaten by priests or worshippers.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the Septuagint (LXX), `{{G3646}}` serves as the primary translation for the Hebrew `{{H5930}}` (ʿōlāh), which likewise means "burnt offering" and is derived from a root meaning "to ascend," emphasizing the smoke rising to God. This connection underscores the concept of the offering ascending to the divine presence.
In the New Testament, `{{G3646}}` appears in a limited but highly significant number of passages, primarily in discussions contrasting Old Covenant practices with the New Covenant reality in Christ.
* **[[Mark 12:33]]**: Here, Jesus affirms that loving God with all one's heart, understanding, and strength, and loving one's neighbor as oneself, "is more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices." This statement echoes Old Testament prophetic critiques (e.g., [[1 Samuel 15:22]], [[Hosea 6:6]], [[Micah 6:6-8]]) that prioritized obedience, justice, and love over mere ritualistic observance. Jesus elevates the internal disposition of the heart above external rites, even those divinely instituted.
* **[[Hebrews 10:6]] and [[Hebrews 10:8]]**: These verses are part of a profound theological argument in the Book of Hebrews concerning the inadequacy of Old Covenant sacrifices and the superiority of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice. Citing [[Psalm 40:6-8]] (LXX), the author declares, "In burnt offerings and sin offerings You have taken no pleasure." The context here is not a devaluation of the sacrifices themselves as God-ordained, but rather an emphasis on their inability to perfect the worshipper or truly take away sins. They were temporary measures, types pointing to the ultimate reality. The holokaútōma, despite its symbolism of total dedication, could not achieve the perfect cleansing and reconciliation that Christ's body, offered once, would accomplish.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary Hebrew equivalent to `{{G3646}}` is `{{H5930}}` (ʿōlāh), the "burnt offering," which shares the core concept of complete consumption and ascent. Other related Greek terms include:
* `{{G3644}}` (hólos): "whole," "complete," foundational to the meaning of holokaútōma.
* `{{G2545}}` (kaíō): "to burn," the action central to the offering.
* `{{G2378}}` (thysía): a broader term for "sacrifice" or "offering."
* `{{G4585}}` (sphágion): "a slaughtered victim."
The concept of holokaútōma is intrinsically linked to Old Testament sacrificial theology, including ideas of:
* **Atonement:** Though the burnt offering was primarily for unintentional sins and general purification, it contributed to the overall system of atonement.
* **Propitiation:** Appeasing divine wrath and restoring fellowship.
* **Consecration/Dedication:** The complete burning symbolized the worshipper's total surrender and devotion to God.
* **Worship:** An act of homage and reverence to God.
* **Typology:** The foreshadowing of Christ's perfect sacrifice.
### Theological Significance
The `{{G3646}}` (holokaútōma) carries profound theological weight, serving as a vital component of Old Covenant worship and a significant theological type in the New Testament.
In the Old Covenant, the burnt offering represented the worshiper's complete surrender and devotion to God. The entire animal, a costly possession, was consumed by fire, signifying that nothing was held back from the Lord. It was an offering of purification, often made for general sinfulness, and an expression of worship and gratitude. The ascending smoke symbolized the offering's acceptance by God and the worshiper's prayers rising to heaven. It underscored the absolute holiness of God and the need for a perfect, unblemished offering to approach Him.
Theologically, the holokaútōma serves as a powerful type, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. As highlighted in the Book of Hebrews, the repeated holokaútōma and other sacrifices of the Old Covenant could never truly perfect the conscience of the worshiper or permanently remove sins ([[Hebrews 10:1-4]]). They were shadows, not the substance. Christ's sacrifice on the cross, however, is the supreme holokautōma—a complete, perfect, and final offering. His body was given "once for all" ([[Hebrews 10:10]]), fulfilling and superseding all previous offerings. His death was a total surrender to the Father's will, a complete "burning" of Himself in obedience, providing full atonement and eternal redemption.
For New Covenant believers, while literal burnt offerings are obsolete, the spiritual principle of holokaútōma endures. Christians are called to offer themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" ([[Romans 12:1]]). This involves a total dedication of one's life—mind, body, and spirit—to God, mirroring the complete surrender exemplified by Christ and symbolized by the ancient burnt offering. It is a spiritual holokaútōma, where the entire self is consecrated to God's service out of love and gratitude for Christ's ultimate sacrifice.
### Summary
`{{G3646}}` (holokaútōma) precisely denotes a "whole burnt offering," an animal sacrifice entirely consumed by fire, symbolizing total dedication and the ascent of the offering to God. In the Old Testament, it was a central act of worship, expressing complete surrender, seeking atonement for unintentional sins, and foreshadowing a greater reality. The New Testament, particularly in [[Mark 12:33]] and [[Hebrews 10:6]], 8, contrasts these Old Covenant rituals with the superior and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. While the holokaútōma could not ultimately take away sins, it served as a powerful type of Christ's perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, which completely fulfilled God's righteous demands. For believers today, the concept translates into a spiritual call for total consecration and a living sacrifice of one's entire being to God, in response to Christ's ultimate act of love and obedience.
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