Question 1

What does "Sacrifice" mean in the King James Bible?

Accepted Answer

In the KJV, "Sacrifice" means "giving something up." The drawing near. Qorban comes from qarav, 'to draw near.' Sacrifice was not primarily about what you gave up but about the access it gave you -- the ability to approach God. The animal died so you could live in God's presence. 'Present your bodies a living sacrifice' meant 'approach God with your entire self.'

Question 2

Why did the word "Sacrifice" disappear from modern English?

Accepted Answer

Hebrew qorban ('that which is brought near/gift that approaches God') reduced from the means of drawing near to God to 'giving something up reluctantly.' Sacrifice became loss rather than access. The word was at peak usage around 1611 and declined by still used but cheapened (~1900).

Question 3

What modern word replaced "Sacrifice"?

Accepted Answer

"Sacrifice" was replaced by: "giving something up" (though this loss-focused; qorban was about drawing near to god, not about what you lost); "cost" (though this economic; sacrifice was relational -- the means of approaching the holy god); "selflessness" (though this moral virtue; sacrifice was a specific act of bringing something valuable into god's presence to restore relationship).

What Does “Sacrifice” Mean in the Bible?

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