θυσιαστήριον

an altar

Definition

θυσιαστήριον (thysiastērion) refers to an altar, specifically a structure for offering sacrifices to God. In the New Testament, it primarily denotes the altar in the Jerusalem temple where animal sacrifices were made (e.g., Matthew 5:23-24, Luke 1:11). It can also refer to the altar of incense in the temple's Holy Place (Luke 1:11, where Gabriel appears). In a metaphorical sense, the word is used for the spiritual altar of the Christian community, from which believers partake in Christ's sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10).

Biblical Usage

This word is used 21 times in the New Testament, predominantly in the Gospels (Matthew, Luke) and Hebrews. In the Gospels, it consistently refers to the physical altar in the Jerusalem temple, often in Jesus' teachings about proper worship and hypocrisy (Matthew 23:18-20). In Hebrews, it takes on a theological, heavenly dimension, contrasting the old covenant sacrifices with Christ's perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 13:10). Revelation uses it symbolically for the altar in heaven (Revelation 6:9, 8:3).

Etymology

Derived from the Greek verb θύω (thyō, G2380), meaning 'to sacrifice' or 'to kill for offering,' combined with the suffix -τήριον, which indicates a place or instrument. Thus, θυσιαστήριον literally means 'a place for sacrificing.' It is the standard Greek term for an altar in both pagan and Jewish contexts.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it bridges Old Testament worship and New Testament fulfillment. The physical altar in Jerusalem points to the need for atonement through sacrifice, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ's once-for-all sacrifice on the cross (Hebrews 9:26). Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by highlighting contrasts: the repeated sacrifices at the temple altar versus Christ's single sacrifice, and the earthly altar versus the heavenly one believers now approach spiritually.

In the 1st-century Jewish world, the altar was the central, sacred site of the Jerusalem temple where priests offered sacrifices to atone for sin and express devotion. It was understood as the place where God met His people. This differs from modern, non-sacrificial understandings of altars as merely symbolic or decorative. Pagan Greek and Roman cultures also had θυσιαστήρια for offerings to various gods, but the New Testament uses it exclusively for the worship of the one true God.

βωμός (bōmos, G1041) — Typically used for pagan altars in the New Testament (e.g., Acts 17:23), distinguishing it from the Jewish/Christian θυσιαστήριον.

Word Details

Scripture References