### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sphagḗ**, represented by `{{G4967}}`, refers to **slaughter**. It is derived from a word meaning butchery, and is used to describe the slaughter of animals or, figuratively, the destruction of men. This term appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible, consistently conveying a sense of finality and destruction.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G4967}}` illustrates a state of impending and violent demise, often through the powerful metaphor of livestock being led to be killed. In Acts, this is seen in the passage describing one who "was led as a sheep to the **slaughter**" [[Acts 8:32]], emphasizing silent submission in the face of death. A parallel usage appears in Romans, where believers are described as being "accounted as sheep for the **slaughter**" due to persecution [[Romans 8:36]]. The word is also used to signify a day of judgment, as James warns the rich who have lived in excess that they have nourished their hearts "as in a day of **slaughter**" [[James 5:5]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the theme of slaughter:
* `{{G4263}}` **próbaton** (a sheep): This term identifies the victim in the imagery of slaughter. The righteous are likened to helpless sheep being led to their destruction in both [[Acts 8:32]] and [[Romans 8:36]].
* `{{G2289}}` **thanatóō** (to kill): This word is explicitly linked to slaughter in [[Romans 8:36]], where believers are "killed all the day long" and compared to sheep destined for slaughter.
* `{{G2250}}` **hēméra** (day): This term frames the time of slaughter. In [[Romans 8:36]], the killing happens "all the **day** long," while in [[James 5:5]], judgment is depicted as a coming "**day** of slaughter."
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4967}}` is focused on themes of suffering and judgment.
* **Innocent Suffering:** The comparison to sheep for the slaughter in [[Acts 8:32]] and [[Romans 8:36]] portrays the righteous as vulnerable and submissive victims, enduring unjust destruction.
* **The Cost of Faith:** In Romans, the concept of slaughter is directly tied to the persecution of believers, who are "killed" for God's sake, highlighting the ultimate price of discipleship [[Romans 8:36]].
* **Divine Reckoning:** The term is used in [[James 5:5]] to describe the final judgment awaiting the unrighteous, who have unknowingly prepared themselves for a "day of slaughter" through their wanton indulgence.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4967}}` is a potent word used to depict violent, decisive destruction. Though it appears infrequently, its figurative use—primarily through the metaphor of sheep being led to be killed—powerfully communicates core biblical themes of righteous suffering, faithful endurance through persecution, and the certainty of divine judgment.
TRV