θύω

I sacrifice, kill

Definition

The verb θύω primarily means 'to sacrifice' or 'to kill,' especially in the context of ritual slaughter for religious offerings. In the New Testament, it most often refers to the killing of animals for a feast or a religious ceremony, as seen with the Passover lamb (Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7) or the fatted calf in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:23, 27, 30). In a broader, non-ritual sense, it can mean simply 'to kill' or 'to slaughter,' as Jesus uses it metaphorically to describe the thief who comes only to steal and kill (John 10:10). A unique usage occurs in Acts 10:13, where it appears in Peter's vision, commanding him to 'kill and eat' unclean animals, highlighting a shift in ritual purity.

Biblical Usage

θύω is used 13 times in the New Testament, primarily in the Gospels and Acts. Its usage is concentrated in narratives involving feasts or sacrifices. In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke), it is closely tied to the Passover preparation (Matthew 22:4, Mark 14:12, Luke 22:7) and the festive killing in parables (Luke 15:23, 27, 30). John uses it once in a metaphorical sense for destructive killing (John 10:10). In Acts, its single occurrence is pivotal in Peter's vision, challenging Jewish dietary laws (Acts 10:13). The word consistently appears in contexts of preparation for eating, whether ritual or celebratory.

Etymology

Derived from the ancient Greek verb θύω, meaning 'to offer a sacrifice, to kill for a god.' It is related to the noun θυσία (thysia, G2378), meaning 'sacrifice' or 'offering.' The root sense involves ritual slaughter, often with smoke rising from the altar, connecting to ideas of offering and devotion. Its meaning broadened in common usage to include any slaughter for a meal, while retaining its primary cultic association.

Semantic Range

θύω is theologically significant as it connects to central concepts of sacrifice and atonement. While it typically refers to animal sacrifices in the Old Testament ritual system, its use in the New Testament often points to their fulfillment. The killing of the Passover lamb (Mark 14:12) foreshadows Christ's own sacrificial death. In Acts 10:13, its use in Peter's vision signifies the abolition of ceremonial barriers, declaring all foods—and by extension, all people—clean through Christ. Understanding this word enriches reading by highlighting the transition from old covenant rituals to the new covenant reality in Jesus.

In the first-century Greco-Roman and Jewish world, θύω was deeply embedded in religious and social life. For Jews, it specifically referred to the slaughter of animals according to Mosaic Law, especially for Passover and other offerings at the Temple. For Greeks and Romans, it denoted sacrifices made to various gods in pagan temples. The act was not merely about killing for food but was a sacred ritual meant to honor deity, seek favor, or celebrate communal identity. The command in Acts 10:13 would have been culturally shocking to a devout Jew like Peter, challenging deeply held purity laws.

σφάζω (sphazō, G4969) — to slaughter, often with violence; emphasizes the act of cutting the throat, used for martyrdom in Revelation. ἀποκτείνω (apokteinō, G615) — to kill, a general term for causing death, often used for murder or execution without ritual connotation.

Word Details

Scripture References