### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉchîyṭâh**, represented by `{{H7821}}`, is a specific term for **killing** or **slaughter**. Derived from the verb שָׁחַט, its use in scripture is exceptionally rare, appearing only **1 time** in **1 verse**. This singular occurrence defines its entire biblical meaning within a precise ceremonial context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H7821}}` is found in [[2 Chronicles 30:17]], which describes a unique situation during a Passover celebration. The verse explains that because **many** `{{H7227}}` in the **congregation** `{{H6951}}` were not **sanctified** `{{H6942}}`, the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` were given the responsibility for the **killing** `{{H7821}}` of the **passovers** `{{H6453}}`. This action was performed for everyone who was not **clean** `{{H2889}}`, with the express purpose of sanctifying them to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate the meaning of `{{H7821}}`:
* `{{H6453}}` **peçach** (passover offering): This specifies what was being subjected to the **killing**, identifying the event as the Passover.
* `{{H3881}}` **Lêvîyîy** (a Levite): This designates the specific group tasked with performing the **killing** on behalf of others, highlighting their ceremonial role.
* `{{H2889}}` **ṭâhôwr** (clean, pure): This describes the state the people lacked, which created the need for the Levites' intervention in the slaughter.
* `{{H6942}}` **qâdash** (to... consecrate, dedicate... sanctify): This defines the ultimate goal of the **killing**, which was to consecrate the unclean members of the assembly to the LORD.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H7821}}` is entirely derived from its specific application in [[2 Chronicles 30:17]].
* **Delegated Responsibility:** The **killing** of the Passover offering was a duty delegated to the **Levites** `{{H3881}}` when congregants were ceremonially unclean, showing a principle of priestly mediation.
* **Sanctification through Action:** The verse demonstrates that a specific physical act, the **killing** `{{H7821}}` of the sacrifice, was required to **sanctify** `{{H6942}}` those who were impure and reconcile them for worship.
* **Purity for the Congregation:** The entire event underscores the importance of being **clean** `{{H2889}}` to participate in sacred rites dedicated to the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, and the provisions made when that standard was not met.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7821}}` is not a general term for killing but a highly specialized word for ceremonial **slaughter**. Its single appearance in the Bible firmly anchors its meaning to the ritual of the **Passover** `{{H6453}}` and the specific duties of the **Levites** `{{H3881}}`. The word illustrates a key moment where a procedural substitution was necessary to ensure that an unclean **congregation** `{{H6951}}` could still be sanctified and participate in worship of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`.
TRV