(Aramaic) corresponding to זָבַח; to sacrifice (an animal); offer (sacrifice).
Transliteration:dᵉbach
Pronunciation:deb-akh'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic verb `{{H1684}}` (דְּבַח, *dᵉbach*) carries the core meaning of "to sacrifice" or "to offer a sacrifice," specifically referring to the ritual slaughter of an animal. It is the Aramaic cognate of the more frequently used Hebrew verb `{{H2076}}` (זָבַח, *zavach*), which likewise denotes the act of sacrificing an animal. The semantic range of דְּבַח is tightly focused on cultic contexts, implying an act of devotion or atonement through the presentation of an animal offering to a deity. The corresponding Aramaic noun is `{{H1685}}` (דִּבְחָה, *dibcha*), meaning "sacrifice."
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
As an Aramaic term, `{{H1684}}` is found exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, primarily within the book of Ezra. Its occurrences are consistently linked to the rebuilding of the Second Temple and the re-establishment of sacrificial worship in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
* [[Ezra 6:3]]: In Cyrus's decree concerning the rebuilding of the temple, it is stipulated that the expenses for the offerings are to be paid from the royal treasury, indicating the provision for the sacrifices to be made there.
* [[Ezra 6:6]]: Darius's subsequent decree reinforces Cyrus's command, ensuring that the work on the temple is not hindered and that "burnt offerings to the God of heaven" are made.
* [[Ezra 6:7]]: The purpose of the restored temple is explicitly stated as a place "where sacrifices may be offered to the God of heaven."
* [[Ezra 6:9]]: Further provision is made for "burnt offerings to the God of heaven," emphasizing the proper and continuous worship.
* [[Ezra 6:16]]: This verse describes the joyous dedication of the rebuilt temple, where the Israelites "offered sacrifices" as an act of consecration and worship.
* [[Ezra 7:17]]: Artaxerxes' decree provides resources for the purchase of animals and grain for "sacrifices and offerings" in Jerusalem, continuing the support for the temple cult.
In all these instances, דְּבַח refers to the legitimate, divinely sanctioned practice of animal sacrifice within the context of Israelite worship at the temple. The use of the term by Persian kings highlights their acknowledgment, albeit from a secular perspective, of the religious practices of the Jewish people and their role in facilitating the restoration of these practices.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H2076}}` (זָבַח, *zavach*), which is the standard term for "to sacrifice" throughout the Hebrew Bible. This linguistic connection underscores the continuity of the concept of cultic sacrifice across the Aramaic and Hebrew portions of Scripture. The corresponding Aramaic noun, `{{H1685}}` (דִּבְחָה, *dibcha*), directly names the "sacrifice" itself.
Other related terms that appear in conjunction with דְּבַח in the context of temple worship include:
* `{{H5930}}` (עֲלָוָה, *'alavah*): Aramaic for "burnt offering," often mentioned alongside דְּבַח as a specific type of sacrifice.
* `{{H4503}}` (מִנְחָה, *minchah*): Aramaic/Hebrew for "grain offering" or "tribute," another common type of offering.
* `{{H5262}}` (נְסַךְ, *nesak*): Aramaic for "to pour out a drink offering," completing the typical triad of offerings.
The concept of דְּבַח is deeply intertwined with the broader themes of cultic worship, atonement, communion with God, and covenant faithfulness, all central to the Old Testament understanding of Israel's relationship with Yahweh.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H1684}}` (דְּבַח) is profound, particularly within its limited but crucial context in Ezra.
1. **Divine Providence and Restoration:** The repeated mention of דְּבַח in royal decrees demonstrates God's sovereign hand at work, moving pagan kings to provide for and protect the re-establishment of true worship in Jerusalem. It signifies that the return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple were not merely human endeavors but part of God's redemptive plan for His people.
2. **Legitimacy of Yahweh Worship:** The emphasis on offering sacrifices "to the God of heaven" ([[Ezra 6:9]]) distinguishes the legitimate worship of Yahweh from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations. The act of דְּבַח reaffirmed the unique covenant relationship between God and Israel, centered on the prescribed sacrificial system.
3. **Covenant Faithfulness and Obedience:** For the returning exiles, the act of דְּבַח was a tangible expression of their renewed commitment to the Mosaic Covenant. It was an act of obedience, seeking to restore the worship practices that had been interrupted by the exile, thereby demonstrating their desire to walk in faithfulness before God.
4. **Typological Significance:** While דְּבַח refers to animal sacrifices, these offerings, like all Old Testament sacrifices, served as types and shadows pointing forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The blood of animals offered through דְּבַח provided a temporary covering for sin, but it was insufficient to truly take away sin ([[Hebrews 10:4]]). The fulfillment is found in Christ's once-for-all self-offering, which perfectly atoned for sin and inaugurated the New Covenant ([[Hebrews 9:11-14]]). The re-establishment of the temple and its sacrifices was essential for the continuity of the Old Covenant community, but its ultimate meaning is realized in Christ.
### Summary
The Aramaic verb `{{H1684}}` (דְּבַח, *dᵉbach*) signifies "to sacrifice (an animal)" or "to offer (sacrifice)," serving as the Aramaic counterpart to the Hebrew `{{H2076}}` (זָבַח). Its occurrences are concentrated in the book of Ezra, where it consistently describes the re-establishment of cultic animal sacrifices at the rebuilt temple in post-exilic Jerusalem. The use of דְּבַח underscores themes of divine provision, the legitimacy of worshiping the God of Israel, and the renewed covenant faithfulness of the returning exiles. From a broader theological perspective, these sacrifices, like all Old Testament offerings, typologically foreshadowed the perfect and definitive sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who fulfilled their purpose by providing ultimate atonement for sin.
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