שְׁחִיטָה

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.