the same as זֶבַח; sacrifice; Zebach, a Midianitish prince; Zebah.
Transliteration:Zebach
Pronunciation:zeh'-bakh
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun זֶבַח (Zebach, `{{H2078}}`) primarily denotes a "sacrifice" or "offering," specifically one that involves the slaughter of an animal. It is derived from the verbal root זָבַח (zabach, `{{H2076}}`), meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." This term is distinct from other forms of offerings such as grain offerings (מִנְחָה, minchah, `{{H4503}}`) or burnt offerings (עוֹלָה, olah, `{{H5930}}`), though it often appears in conjunction with them, particularly in the context of peace offerings (שְׁלָמִים, shelamim, `{{H8002}}`). The *zebach* typically implies an act of bringing an animal to be slain and presented to God, often with a portion consumed by the offerer and priests, signifying communion.
A secondary, yet distinct, meaning of זֶבַח (Zebach) is its use as a proper noun, referring to "Zebah," one of the two Midianite kings defeated by Gideon, as recorded in the Book of Judges. This usage is entirely separate from the concept of sacrifice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term זֶבַח (zebach) appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, predominantly in the Pentateuch, especially Leviticus, and in historical books. Its usage reveals several key contexts:
1. **Peace Offerings (זֶבַח שְׁלָמִים):** This is perhaps the most common and significant context. The *zebach shelamim* (peace offering or fellowship offering) was characterized by the offerer consuming a portion of the sacrificed animal, along with the priests, after the fat and specific internal organs were burned on the altar. This communal meal symbolized fellowship and communion between God, the offerer, and the priestly community ([[Leviticus 7:11-21]], [[Leviticus 22:21]]). It could be offered as a thanksgiving offering (תּוֹדָה, todah, `{{H8426}}`), a votive offering (נֶדֶר, neder, `{{H5088}}`), or a freewill offering (נְדָבָה, nedavah, `{{H5071}}`).
2. **General Sacrifices and Feasts:** The term is used broadly to refer to sacrificial meals or feasts associated with religious observance. For instance, the Passover celebration is referred to as a *zebach* ([[Exodus 12:27]]), emphasizing the sacrificial lamb. Similarly, it describes sacrifices made during covenant ceremonies ([[Exodus 24:5]]) or during times of national celebration and worship ([[1 Samuel 11:15]], [[1 Kings 8:63]]).
3. **Pagan Sacrifices:** The term is also employed to describe sacrifices offered to idols or false gods, often in a condemnatory sense. This highlights the distinction between legitimate worship of Yahweh and idolatrous practices ([[Exodus 34:15]], [[Deuteronomy 32:38]], [[Hosea 4:13]]). Such sacrifices were an abomination to God.
4. **Proper Noun - Zebah:** In [[Judges 8:5-21]], Zebah is identified as one of the two kings of Midian, alongside Zalmunna, who were pursued and captured by Gideon. This usage is entirely unrelated to the concept of sacrifice and refers to a specific historical figure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of זֶבַח (zebach) is enriched by understanding its relationship to other terms within the biblical sacrificial system:
* **זָבַח (zabach, `{{H2076}}`):** The verbal root, meaning "to slaughter" or "to sacrifice." The noun זֶבַח is the direct result of this action.
* **עוֹלָה (olah, `{{H5930}}`):** The burnt offering, entirely consumed on the altar, symbolizing complete dedication and atonement.
* **מִנְחָה (minchah, `{{H4503}}`):** The grain offering, typically bloodless, often accompanying other sacrifices or offered independently as an act of devotion.
* **חַטָּאת (chatta't, `{{H2403}}`):** The sin offering, specifically for unintentional sins, focused on purification and expiation.
* **אָשָׁם (asham, `{{H817}}`):** The guilt offering or trespass offering, offered for specific offenses requiring restitution and atonement.
* **שְׁלָמִים (shelamim, `{{H8002}}`):** Peace offerings or fellowship offerings, often explicitly called *zebach shelamim*, emphasizing communion and well-being.
* **מִזְבֵּחַ (mizbeach, `{{H4196}}`):** The altar, the designated place for sacrifice.
The concept of *zebach* is intrinsically linked to themes of worship, atonement, covenant, thanksgiving, and fellowship with God.
### Theological Significance
The *zebach* holds profound theological significance, particularly in its primary meaning as a sacrifice.
1. **Communion and Fellowship:** Unlike offerings solely for expiation, the *zebach*, especially the *zebach shelamim*, underscored the possibility and reality of fellowship between God and His people. The shared meal portion symbolized a covenant relationship, where God, priests, and offerers partook, albeit in their respective spheres, of the same offering. This was an act of joyful worship and thanksgiving.
2. **Expression of Devotion and Gratitude:** Many *zebach* offerings were freewill offerings or thanksgiving offerings, stemming from a heart of gratitude for God's blessings or in fulfillment of a vow. They were not compulsory for sin but arose from a desire to express love and devotion to Yahweh ([[Psalm 54:6]], [[Psalm 116:17]]).
3. **Covenant Affirmation:** Sacrifices, including the *zebach*, were integral to the establishment and renewal of the covenant between God and Israel. The shedding of blood and the communal meal served as tangible expressions of commitment and loyalty to the covenant stipulations.
4. **Anticipation of Christ:** While the *zebach* itself was not primarily a sin offering, the entire Old Testament sacrificial system, including the *zebach*, pointed forward to the ultimate, perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. His death on the cross is the supreme act of self-offering, fulfilling and superseding all animal sacrifices. In Christ, believers find true peace and fellowship with God, a communion far deeper than that afforded by the Old Covenant *zebach* ([[Hebrews 9:11-14]], [[Hebrews 10:1-10]]).
### Summary
The Hebrew word זֶבַח (Zebach, `{{H2078}}`) primarily denotes a "sacrifice" involving the slaughter of an animal, often in the context of a peace or fellowship offering (*zebach shelamim*). This type of offering was central to Israelite worship, symbolizing communion with God, expressing thanksgiving, and affirming covenant relationships. While also used to condemn pagan sacrifices, its most profound theological import lies in its portrayal of God's desire for fellowship with His people, a theme ultimately fulfilled in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Separately, זֶבַח also functions as a proper noun, referring to Zebah, a Midianite king defeated by Gideon.
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