σφαγή
sphagḗ
G4967 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Act or process of slaughtering, specifically the killing of animals (especially for food or sacrifice), and by extension, the massacre or violent killing of people. The term primarily denotes the cutting, butchery, or slaughter of living beings, either in ritual, sacrificial, or violent contexts. In figurative contexts, it can refer to destruction or mass killing.
Semantic Range
slaughter (of animals), sacrifice (cutting/ritual killing), massacre (of people), violent killing, destruction
Root / Etymology
From the verb σφάζω (spházō, 'to slaughter, slay, butcher'). The noun is a direct nominal formation from this root, indicating the act or result of slaughter.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek literature, σφαγή refers primarily to the act of slaughter or butchery, especially in sacrificial or battlefield contexts. In the Septuagint (LXX), it commonly describes ritual sacrifice (especially the act of killing an animal as an offering) but also denotes violence or massacre. In the New Testament (e.g., Romans 8:36; Revelation 18:24), it is used both literally (for killing/slaughter) and figuratively (for mass violence or martyrdom). Standard English translations often render σφαγή as 'slaughter,' but this can obscure the distinction between ritual killing (sacrifice) and indiscriminate bloodshed (massacre). Compared to related terms like θυσία (sacrifice), σφαγή emphasizes the violent, bloody act of killing rather than the sacrificial aspect per se. Over time, the word's association shifted from cultic slaughter to a broader sense of violent destruction, especially in apocalyptic or judgmental contexts. It does not inherently imply illegitimacy or atrocity, but the context often colors its severity.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from σφάζω; butchery (of animals for food or sacrifice, or (figuratively) of men (destruction)):--slaughter.
Root Family
σφαγή (sphagē) — slaughter, butchery, violent killing, sacrificial killing
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4967-02 |
σφαγῆς | sphages | N GEN F SG |
of slaughter | of slaughter | 2 |
G4967-01 |
σφαγὴν | sphagen | N ACC F SG |
slaughter | slaughter | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
3 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G4967-01 |
Acts 8:32 | σφαγὴν | sphagen | N ACC F SG |
slaughter | slaughter |
G4967-02 |
Romans 8:36 | σφαγῆς | sphages | N GEN F SG |
of slaughter | |
G4967-02 |
James 5:5 | σφαγῆς | sphages | N GEN F SG |
of slaughter | of slaughter |