Hebrew word · Strong's H2076

זָבַח

zâbach · zaw-bakh' · verb · “to sacrifice”

In a sentence

Zavach means to slaughter for sacrifice. Behind it stands zevach (sacrifice). The Old Testament's altar life centers on this verb.

Zavach names the act of slaughtering an animal for God — the central act of Israelite worship. Patriarchs zavach to the LORD; Israel zavach the Passover lamb; priests zavach daily on the altar.

The system pointed forward. Hebrews shows Christ's once-for-all sacrifice fulfilling and ending the long line of zavach. Now believers offer themselves as «living sacrifices.»

Strong's reference

Definition: to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

KJV usage: kill, offer, (do) sacrifice, slay.

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Exodus 20:24 “You are to make for Me an altar of earth, and sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and peace offerings, your sheep and goats and cattle. In every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you.” Romans 12:1 “Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.