### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **holokaútōma**, represented by `{{G3646}}`, refers to a **wholly-consumed sacrifice** or a **whole burnt offering**. The term is derived from a compound of **hólos** `{{G3650}}`, meaning "whole," and a word related to burning, indicating an offering entirely consumed by fire. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In scripture, `{{G3646}}` is used to contrast ritualistic acts with true spiritual devotion. In [[Mark 12:33]], to **love** `{{G25}}` God with all the **heart** `{{G2588}}`, **understanding** `{{G4907}}`, **soul** `{{G5590}}`, and **strength** `{{G2479}}` is described as **more** `{{G4119}}` than all **whole burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` and **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}`. The book of Hebrews states that God has had **no** `{{G3756}}` pleasure in **burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` and sacrifices **for** `{{G4012}}` **sin** `{{G266}}` [[Hebrews 10:6]]. This is emphasized when it says God would **not** `{{G3756}}`, **neither** `{{G3761}}` had pleasure in such offerings, which are offered by the **law** `{{G3551}}` [[Hebrews 10:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of `{{G3646}}`:
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This is a general term for **sacrifice**, both the act and the victim. It appears alongside **burnt offerings** to encompass the broader category of offerings that are contrasted with true devotion [[Mark 12:33]] or are seen as insufficient [[Hebrews 10:8]].
* `{{G266}}` **hamartía** (a sin): This word denotes **a sin** or offence. In Hebrews, **burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` are specifically linked with offerings **for** `{{G4012}}` **sin** `{{G266}}`, highlighting their role in a system meant to address transgressions, a role in which they ultimately did not bring God pleasure [[Hebrews 10:6]].
* `{{G25}}` **agapáō** (to love): This verb, meaning **to love**, is presented as a superior action. The command to **love** `{{G25}}` God and one's **neighbour** `{{G4139}}` is valued as **more** `{{G4119}}` than all **whole burnt offerings** [[Mark 12:33]].
### Theological Significance
The use of `{{G3646}}` carries significant theological weight, particularly in its New Testament context:
* **Primacy of Devotion over Ritual:** The term is used to establish that internal devotion—loving God with one's entire being—is of greater importance than external religious rituals like **whole burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` and **sacrifices** `{{G2378}}` [[Mark 12:33]].
* **The Inadequacy of the Law's Sacrifices:** **Burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` are cited as part of the system prescribed by the **law** `{{G3551}}` which could not ultimately please God [[Hebrews 10:8]]. They were part of a system that included offerings **for** `{{G4012}}` **sin** `{{G266}}` in which God had **no** `{{G3756}}` pleasure [[Hebrews 10:6]].
* **Contrast with a Superior Offering:** The dissatisfaction with **burnt offerings** `{{G3646}}` and other sacrifices is used to point toward a greater reality. These offerings, which are offered by the **law** `{{G3551}}`, are contrasted with a different will and **offering** `{{G4376}}` that would prove sufficient ([[Hebrews 10:8]], [[Hebrews 10:10]]).
### Summary
In summary, **holokaútōma** `{{G3646}}` represents a specific and important type of Old Testament sacrifice. However, its New Testament usage is primarily to contrast the entire sacrificial system with the higher command to **love** `{{G25}}` God and to demonstrate the insufficiency of these rituals. It serves as a key term to show that heartfelt obedience and love are **more** `{{G4119}}` pleasing to God than the physical act of a **wholly-consumed sacrifice**.
TRV