Sacrifice
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Sacrifice in the Bible?
The concept of sacrifice in the Old Testament encompasses its terminology, etymological origins, structural classifications, and evolving role within Israelite religious practice and covenantal theology.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding sacrifice clarifies the mechanisms of atonement, holiness, and divine-human interaction presented in the biblical text, revealing how ancient Israelites conceptualized their relationship with God.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Sacrifice. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Sacrifice in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Sacrifice clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Sacrifice." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/sacrifice/