a primary verb; to butcher (especially an animal for food or in sacrifice) or (generally) to slaughter, or (specially), to maim (violently):--kill, slay, wound.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **spházō**, represented by `{{G4969}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to butcher or slaughter**. While it can refer to the butchering of an animal for food or sacrifice, it is used more generally to signify violent death, as in to **kill**, **slay**, or **wound**. It appears **10 times** across **9 unique verses** in the Bible, with its most prominent usage found in the book of Revelation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical application, `{{G4969}}` is used to convey acts of intense violence. The word describes the first murder, where Cain **slew** his brother Abel [[1 John 3:12]]. It is also used in visions of eschatological judgment, where power is given to **kill** one another [[Revelation 6:4]] and where the souls of martyrs are seen, those who were **slain** for the word of God [[Revelation 6:9]]. The most frequent and theologically rich use of `{{G4969}}` is to describe Christ as the Lamb "as it had been **slain**" [[Revelation 5:6]], a central image signifying his sacrificial death for redemption [[Revelation 5:9]]. A different use appears in describing the beast whose head was **wounded** to death [[Revelation 13:3]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the act and purpose of being slain:
* `{{G129}}` **haîma** (blood, literally (of men or animals), figuratively (the juice of grapes) or specially (the atoning blood of Christ)): This word is inextricably linked to the sacrificial meaning of `{{G4969}}`. The Lamb was **slain** in order to redeem believers to God by his **blood** [[Revelation 5:9]].
* `{{G59}}` **agorázō** (to go to market, i.e. (by implication) to purchase; specially, to redeem): This term explains the result of the Lamb being slain. The act of being slain achieves a purpose: "thou wast slain, and hast **redeemed** us to God" [[Revelation 5:9]].
* `{{G1492}}` **eídō** (properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication... to know): This word of perception is used to frame the visions where the slain Lamb is present. John states, "I **beheld**, and, lo, in the midst of the throne... stood a Lamb as it had been slain" [[Revelation 5:6]], and later, "I **saw** under the altar the souls of them that were slain" [[Revelation 6:9]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4969}}` is most evident in its application to Christ and his followers.
* **Sacrificial Redemption:** The word's primary theological function is to frame Christ's death as a sacrifice. The Lamb is declared worthy to **take** `{{G2983}}` the book and **open** `{{G455}}` its seals precisely "for thou wast **slain**" [[Revelation 5:9]]. This act of being slaughtered is the basis of his redemptive power.
* **The Nature of Evil:** `{{G4969}}` is used to define the ultimate evil act of fratricide, when Cain **slew** his brother [[1 John 3:12]]. It is also used to describe the fate of the saints, who are **slain** for their testimony, and of all the righteous victims whose **blood** `{{G129}}` is found in Babylon [[Revelation 18:24]].
* **Power in Sacrifice:** A divine paradox is presented in the image of the Lamb that was **slain** [[Revelation 5:12]]. Though it depicts a violent death, this status is the very reason the Lamb is worthy to receive power, honor, and glory. All on earth are to **worship** `{{G4352}}` this Lamb who was **slain** [[Revelation 13:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4969}}` is a powerful word that conveys violent death, from the archetypal murder of Abel to the persecution of the saints. Its most crucial role, however, is in defining the identity and work of Jesus Christ in Revelation. By appearing as the Lamb "as it had been **slain**," a symbol of sacrifice becomes a symbol of supreme worthiness and authority. The word **spházō** demonstrates a core biblical theme where ultimate power and redemption for humanity are achieved not through force, but through a sacrificial slaughter.
TRV