a primitive root; to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice); kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay.
Transliteration:zâbach
Pronunciation:zaw-bakh'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb zâbach (`{{H2076}}`) is a primitive root, carrying the fundamental meaning "to slaughter an animal." While this core action can apply broadly to the taking of animal life, its predominant and most significant usage in the biblical text is in the context of religious "sacrifice." The semantic range therefore extends to "kill," "offer," "(do) sacrifice," and "slay." This highlights a crucial distinction: zâbach is not merely about killing, but about a purposeful, often ritualized, act of slaughter, typically for cultic or dietary purposes. When used for sacrifice, it implies an offering to a deity, involving specific procedures and intentions, elevating it beyond common butchery to an act of worship or covenant maintenance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb zâbach appears extensively throughout the Old Testament, particularly within the Pentateuch, where the sacrificial system is meticulously detailed. Its earliest occurrences reflect foundational acts of worship: Jacob "offered a sacrifice" on the mountain as part of a covenant ceremony ([[Genesis 31:54]]), and Moses insists that Pharaoh allow Israel to "sacrifice" to the Lord ([[Exodus 10:25]]).
Within the Mosaic Law, zâbach is central to the various types of offerings:
* It describes the act of preparing animals for burnt offerings (*olah*) ([[Leviticus 1:5]]), peace offerings (*zebach shelamim*) ([[Leviticus 3:2]]), and, by extension, sin and guilt offerings. The noun form zebach (`{{H2077}}`) is itself the specific term for "peace offering," emphasizing the shared meal aspect of this sacrifice.
* The command to build altars is given for the purpose of zâbach ([[Exodus 20:24]]).
* While primarily cultic, zâbach also refers to "profane slaughter" for food after the giving of the Law, allowing Israelites to eat meat without it being a sacrifice, provided the blood was properly drained ([[Deuteronomy 12:15]], [[Deuteronomy 12:21]]). This distinction was crucial for maintaining the sanctity of sacrificial blood.
* Kings and leaders, such as David ([[2 Samuel 6:13]]) and Solomon ([[1 Kings 3:3]], [[1 Kings 8:63]]), are frequently depicted performing or overseeing zâbach as central acts of national worship and dedication.
* The prophets often employed zâbach in their critiques of superficial religiosity. They emphasized that God desired obedience and justice more than mere ritual sacrifice ([[1 Samuel 15:22]], [[Isaiah 1:11]], [[Hosea 6:6]]). This did not negate the divine institution of zâbach, but highlighted the necessity of a right heart and moral conduct alongside the ritual.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb zâbach is intrinsically linked to several key terms and theological concepts:
* **Noun Forms:** The most direct derivative is zebach (`{{H2077}}`), meaning "sacrifice" or "offering," particularly a peace offering. Another crucial related noun is mizbeakh (`{{H4196}}`), the "altar," which is the designated place for zâbach to occur.
* **Other Verbs for Killing:** While zâbach specifically denotes animal slaughter, other Hebrew verbs for killing exist. harag (`{{H2026}}`) is a more general term for killing, often referring to humans or in a broader sense. shachat (`{{H7819}}`) means "to slaughter," often implying the cutting of the throat, and is frequently used alongside zâbach to describe the specific method of preparing an animal for sacrifice. shachat focuses on the physical act of killing, while zâbach emphasizes the purpose or context (e.g., sacrifice).
* **Concepts:** zâbach is inseparable from the concepts of **atonement** (כָּפַר, *kaphar*, `{{H3722}}`), as the shedding of blood was essential for covering sin ([[Leviticus 17:11]]); **covenant**, as sacrifices often sealed or reaffirmed divine-human agreements; **worship**, as it was a primary means of approaching God; and **communion/fellowship**, especially evident in the *zebach shelamim* where God and worshippers shared in the meal.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zâbach is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Institution and Relationship:** zâbach was not a human invention but a divinely commanded act, establishing a means for humanity to approach a holy God. It underscored God's provision (animals suitable for sacrifice) and His desire for an ongoing relationship with His people.
* **Atonement and Substitution:** At the heart of many zâbach acts was the principle of atonement. The life of the animal, symbolized by its blood, was given in substitution for the life of the worshipper, covering sin and restoring fellowship ([[Leviticus 17:11]]). This pointed to the gravity of sin and the necessity of a payment for its transgression.
* **Holiness and Purity:** The meticulous regulations surrounding zâbach emphasized God's absolute holiness and the need for the worshipper to approach Him with purity and reverence. Improper or insincere zâbach was considered an abomination ([[Proverbs 21:27]]).
* **The Primacy of Obedience:** The prophetic critique, exemplified by [[1 Samuel 15:22]] ("To obey is better than sacrifice"), revealed that God values a contrite heart, righteousness, and obedience more than the mere performance of ritual. zâbach was a means to an end (relationship with God), not an end in itself.
* **Foreshadowing Christ:** Ultimately, the entire system of zâbach served as a type and shadow, pointing forward to the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is understood as the definitive fulfillment of all Old Testament sacrifices, providing a complete and final atonement for sin ([[Hebrews 9:26]], [[Hebrews 10:10]]). Through Christ, the need for repeated animal zâbach ceased, as He became both the High Priest and the perfect Lamb of God.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb zâbach (`{{H2076}}`) signifies "to slaughter an animal," predominantly in the context of "sacrifice." This primitive root is foundational to Old Testament worship, describing the act of offering animals to God for various purposes, including atonement, thanksgiving, and covenant renewal. While it could also refer to non-sacred slaughter for food, its theological weight lies in its sacred application within the divinely instituted sacrificial system. zâbach is intrinsically linked to the zebach (`{{H2077}}`) or "sacrifice" itself, and the mizbeakh (`{{H4196}}`) or "altar" where it was performed. The prophets' emphasis on obedience over mere ritual underscored the spiritual intent required for true zâbach. Most significantly, the entire sacrificial system, epitomized by zâbach, served as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, through His death, fulfilled and transcended all previous zâbach offerings, providing eternal redemption.
TRV