Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Sacrifice”
The biblical word “Sacrifice” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (zebah (Hebrew), thusia (Greek)), where it meant “An offering made to God, typically an animal slain in worship”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The act of offering something precious to a deity or for a cause; something given up for a greater good”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekzebah (Hebrew), thusia (Greek)An offering made to God, typically an animal slain in worship
Hebrew zebah (H2077) means slaughter offering, used in Leviticus for sacrificial animals. Greek thusia (θυσία) appears in LXX and NT for sacrificial offerings (1 Corinthians 10:25).
Medieval Latin / Church
LatinsacrificiumThe atoning death of Christ; a religious offering made to God
Latin sacrificium from sacrum (sacred) + facere (to make). Church theology developed the concept of Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate atonement (Romans 3:25).
Modern English
EnglishsacrificeThe act of offering something precious to a deity or for a cause; something given up for a greater good
From Old French sacrifice via Latin. Secular meaning developed in English by 14th century for any relinquishment of value.