### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sphágion**, represented by `{{G4968}}`, refers to a **victim (in sacrifice)** or a **slain beast**. It is a highly specific term that appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular usage occurs in a quotation from the Old Testament prophets to make a poignant theological point.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4968}}` is in [[Acts 7:42]], during Stephen's address before the Sanhedrin. He quotes the prophets to challenge Israel's history of worship, asking rhetorically, "O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me **slain beasts** and sacrifices by the space of forty years in the wilderness?" This question implies that even while the Israelites were performing sacrificial rites, their hearts were not truly devoted to God, rendering the offerings invalid in His sight.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context and meaning of the act of sacrifice:
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This word, defined as **sacrifice (the act or the victim, literally or figuratively)**, appears alongside `{{G4968}}` in [[Acts 7:42]]. It is used more broadly to refer to spiritual sacrifices, such as presenting our bodies as a "living **sacrifice**" [[Romans 12:1]] or offering a "**sacrifice** of praise" [[Hebrews 13:15]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (to offer): This verb, meaning **to bear towards, i.e. lead to, tender (especially to God), treat**, is the action associated with the **slain beast**. It describes the act of presenting something, whether it be Christ who **offered** himself [[Hebrews 9:14]] or the wise men who **presented** gifts [[Matthew 2:11]].
* `{{G3361}}` **mḗ** (not): This particle of qualified negation is crucial in [[Acts 7:42]], framing the verse as a question that expects a negative answer. It is used throughout scripture to express prohibition or negation, as in "be **not** conformed to this world" [[Romans 12:2]] and "let **not** your heart be troubled" [[John 14:27]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4968}}` is concentrated in its single, impactful use.
* **Authenticity of Worship:** The term is used to question the authenticity of Israel's worship. The offering of **slain beasts** is presented as an external ritual that was insufficient because it was not accompanied by true devotion to God [[Acts 7:42]].
* **The Object of Sacrifice:** The context highlights that a **slain beast** is only a valid offering when it is truly offered to God. In [[Acts 7:42]], the rhetorical question, using the negation `{{G3361}}`, suggests that Israel's offerings during their rebellion were not directed toward Him.
* **A Specific Form of Sacrifice:** `{{G4968}}` represents the literal, physical animal sacrifice, which is contrasted in other parts of the New Testament with the "spiritual **sacrifices**" [[1 Peter 2:5]] that please God.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4968}}` is a precise term for a **slain beast** intended for sacrifice. Its singular appearance in the New Testament is not incidental; it serves as a key element in a divine rebuke against hypocritical worship. It powerfully illustrates the principle that the physical act of sacrifice is meaningless without a heart genuinely oriented toward God, a theme that resonates throughout both the Old and New Testaments.
TRV