### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **zebach**, represented by `{{H2077}}`, refers to a **sacrifice**. It appears **162 times** across **153 unique verses**, signifying its importance in the context of worship and covenant. Derived from the verb `{{H2076}}` which means to slaughter an animal, `{{H2077}}` can denote the sacrificial victim, the flesh of the animal, or the act of sacrifice itself.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H2077}}` is used to describe both sanctioned and unsanctioned offerings. Patriarchs like Israel offered **sacrifices** to the God of his father Isaac [[Genesis 46:1]]. The law specified types of **sacrifices**, such as peace offerings [[Leviticus 3:1]] and thanksgiving offerings [[Leviticus 7:12]]. However, scripture repeatedly emphasizes that the physical act is secondary to the offerer's heart. Samuel declared that to obey is better than **sacrifice** [[1 Samuel 15:22]], and through the prophet Hosea, God states, "I desired mercy, and not **sacrifice**" [[Hosea 6:6]]. The **sacrifice** of the wicked is described as an abomination to the LORD [[Proverbs 15:8]], especially when brought with a wicked mind [[Proverbs 21:27]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide a fuller understanding of the sacrificial system:
* `{{H2076}}` **zâbach** (to do sacrifice): This is the root verb from which `{{H2077}}` is derived. It means to slaughter an animal, usually for a sacrifice, as seen when Absalom offered **sacrifices** [[2 Samuel 15:12]].
* `{{H4196}}` **mizbêach** (an altar): Derived from the same root, this is the place where a **sacrifice** is presented. God promises that sacrifices offered on His **altar** in His house of prayer will be accepted [[Isaiah 56:7]].
* `{{H5930}}` **ʻôlâh** (burnt offering): This term for a holocaust offering is frequently used alongside `{{H2077}}` to encompass the range of sacrificial acts. God states through Jeremiah that He did not command the fathers of Israel concerning **burnt offerings** or **sacrifices** when He brought them from Egypt [[Jeremiah 7:22]].
* `{{H4503}}` **minchâh** (offering): Often referring to a voluntary or bloodless gift, this word is contrasted with `{{H2077}}`. The psalmist states, "**Sacrifice** and **offering** thou didst not desire" [[Psalms 40:6]], indicating different categories of offerings.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H2077}}` is profound, highlighting the relationship between God and humanity.
* **Covenant and Fellowship:** A **sacrifice** was the means by which God's people made a covenant with Him [[Psalms 50:5]]. It was also an act of celebration, as seen in the offering of "great **sacrifices**" with rejoicing [[Nehemiah 12:43]] and "sacrifices of joy" [[Psalms 27:6]].
* **The Primacy of the Heart:** The prophets consistently teach that the ritual of **sacrifice** is meaningless without inner righteousness. Doing justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than **sacrifice** [[Proverbs 21:3]]. God rejects the "multitude" of **sacrifices** from those whose hearts are not right with Him [[Isaiah 1:11]].
* **Spiritual Transformation:** The concept is ultimately redefined in spiritual terms. God does not desire **sacrifice** in itself, but rather "a broken and a contrite heart" [[Psalms 51:17]], which are called the "sacrifices of God."
* **Atonement:** The **sacrifice** played a crucial role in making atonement for sin. The fat from a **sacrifice** of peace offerings was burned on the altar, and through this act, the priest would make an atonement for the person, and they would be forgiven [[Leviticus 4:31]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2077}}` is a foundational term in Old Testament worship, embodying the act of offering an animal to God. While it is central to the covenant, law, and temple service, its true meaning is found in the spiritual condition of the worshipper. The Bible uses the concept of **zebach** to teach a timeless truth: God values obedience, mercy, justice, and a contrite heart far more than external religious rituals.
TRV