from זָבַח; properly, a slaughter, i.e. the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act); offer(-ing), sacrifice.
Transliteration:zebach
Pronunciation:zeh'-bakh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זֶבַח (zebach, `{{H2077}}`) derives from the verbal root זָבַח (zabach, `{{H2076}}`), which fundamentally means "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." As a noun, zebach carries a semantic range that extends from the literal act of slaughter to the resulting offering itself. Its primary sense is "a slaughter," particularly of an animal. From this, it can refer to the "flesh of an animal" that has been slaughtered, especially when prepared for consumption or as an offering. Most significantly, zebach by implication denotes "a sacrifice," encompassing both the sacrificial victim and the act of offering it. While it can be a general term for any sacrifice, it often refers specifically to a "peace offering" or "fellowship offering" (zebach shlamim), in contrast to other types like the burnt offering (olah) which is entirely consumed. The nuance of zebach often includes the idea of a shared meal, where the offerer partakes of the sacrificed animal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term zebach appears over 160 times in the Hebrew Bible, playing a central role in Israelite worship and covenant life. Its earliest occurrences include Noah's offering after the flood [[Genesis 8:20]] and Abraham's preparations for a covenant ceremony [[Genesis 15:9-10]]. Under the Mosaic Law, zebach is foundational to the sacrificial system.
In the book of Leviticus, zebach is most prominently associated with the "peace offering" or "fellowship offering" (zebach shlamim). This type of zebach is detailed in [[Leviticus 3:1-17]] and [[Leviticus 7:11-36]], emphasizing communion and thanksgiving. Unlike the burnt offering (olah), only specific portions of the zebach shlamim (e.g., fat, kidneys) were offered to Yahweh, while the priests received their share, and the remainder was consumed by the worshiper and their household. This shared meal underscored reconciliation, fellowship, and gratitude between God and His people.
Zebach is also used in contexts of specific national or communal events, such as the Passover zebach [[Exodus 12:27]], the covenant ratification at Sinai [[Exodus 24:5]], and Solomon's massive dedicatory sacrifices for the Temple [[1 Kings 8:63]]. The term is not exclusively positive; it can refer to illicit sacrifices offered to foreign gods or demons [[Exodus 34:15]], [[Deuteronomy 32:17]], highlighting the act of offering regardless of the recipient.
Prophetic literature frequently employs zebach to critique the superficiality of ritual without obedience. Prophets like Samuel [[1 Samuel 15:22]], Hosea [[Hosea 6:6]], and the Psalmist [[Psalm 51:17]] declare that God desires obedience, steadfast love, and a contrite spirit more than mere outward sacrifices. This demonstrates a theological tension between ritual performance and genuine righteousness.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to zebach is its verbal root, זָבַח (zabach, `{{H2076}}`), "to slaughter, to sacrifice." Understanding the verb illuminates the noun's core meaning.
Zebach exists within a broader lexicon of sacrificial terms in the Old Testament, each with distinct nuances:
* olah (עוֹלָה, `{{H5930}}`): The burnt offering, entirely consumed by fire, signifying complete devotion.
* minchah (מִנְחָה, `{{H4503}}`): The grain offering, typically accompanying animal sacrifices or offered independently.
* chatta't (חַטָּאת, `{{H2403}}`): The sin offering, specifically for unintentional sins.
* asham (אָשָׁם, `{{H817}}`): The guilt offering, for specific transgressions requiring restitution.
* qorban (קָרְבָּן, `{{H7133}}`): A general term for "offering" or "oblation," meaning something "brought near" to God.
Beyond specific offerings, zebach is conceptually linked to:
* **Covenant:** Sacrifices were integral to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.
* **Atonement:** While zebach shlamim was not primarily for atonement, the shedding of blood in animal sacrifices was fundamental to the concept of covering sin.
* **Worship and Thanksgiving:** Zebach was a primary means of expressing gratitude, praise, and devotion to Yahweh.
* **Communion/Fellowship:** Especially in the context of the peace offering, zebach facilitated a tangible experience of fellowship with God.
In the Septuagint (LXX) and the New Testament, the Greek term θυσία (thysia, `{{G2378}}`) is the most common equivalent for zebach, often used when referring to Old Testament sacrifices and, profoundly, to the self-sacrifice of Christ.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of zebach is profound and multifaceted. At its core, zebach underscores the necessity of a proper approach to a holy God. It represents a divinely ordained means for humanity to engage with the Creator, acknowledging His sovereignty and provision.
1. **Covenant Maintenance and Fellowship:** The zebach, particularly the zebach shlamim, was crucial for maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel. It allowed for the restoration or affirmation of fellowship, symbolizing a shared meal with the divine, a profound expression of intimacy and peace.
2. **Expression of Devotion and Gratitude:** Many zebach offerings were voluntary acts of thanksgiving or vows, demonstrating the worshiper's gratitude for God's blessings and faithfulness. It was a tangible act of giving back to God from His own provision.
3. **Provisional Atonement and Purity:** While not the primary purpose of all zebach offerings, the shedding of blood inherent in animal sacrifice pointed to the gravity of sin and the principle that "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" [[Hebrews 9:22]]. It provided a temporary covering for sin, enabling a sinful people to dwell in the presence of a holy God.
4. **Moral and Spiritual Imperative:** The prophetic critique of zebach highlights a crucial theological truth: external ritual without internal righteousness is abhorrent to God. God desires obedience, justice, mercy, and a humble heart more than mere animal sacrifices [[1 Samuel 15:22]], [[Hosea 6:6]], [[Micah 6:6-8]]. This emphasizes that true worship transcends mere ceremony and demands a transformed life.
5. **Anticipation of Christ:** Ultimately, the entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including zebach, pointed forward to the perfect and final sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the ultimate zebach (θυσία, `{{G2378}}`), fulfilling and transcending all previous offerings. He is both the perfect priest and the spotless victim, whose single sacrifice provides eternal atonement and perfect fellowship for all who believe [[Hebrews 9:26-28]], [[Hebrews 10:10-14]].
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֶבַח (zebach, `{{H2077}}`) denotes "slaughter," "flesh," and most significantly, "sacrifice." Derived from the verb "to slaughter for sacrifice," it encompasses both the act of offering and the victim itself. While a general term for sacrifice, zebach frequently refers to the "peace offering" or "fellowship offering" (zebach shlamim), which emphasized communion and shared consumption between God, priests, and worshipers. Found throughout the Pentateuch, historical books, and prophetic writings, zebach was central to Israelite worship, serving as a means of covenant maintenance, expressing gratitude, and providing provisional atonement. However, biblical prophets consistently warned against the emptiness of zebach performed without genuine obedience and a righteous heart. Theologically, zebach foreshadows the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who, as the Lamb of God, fulfills all Old Testament sacrifices, providing eternal atonement and true fellowship with God.
TRV