📖 Biblical Definition
The zebach (זֶבַח) is the Mosaic peace offering, prescribed in Leviticus 3 — also called the "fellowship offering." It was unique among Levitical sacrifices: the worshipper himself ate the meat as a fellowship-meal with God and others, after a portion was burned on the altar and another given to the priests (Leviticus 7:11-21). The zebach is therefore distinct from the burnt offering (olah, entirely consumed) and the sin offering (chattat, addressing guilt). It symbolized covenant fellowship — eating together as the picture of shalom with God. The Lord’s Supper is its New-Covenant fulfillment: the people of God eat with their God at His own table, in peace, by virtue of the once-for-all sacrifice of Christ.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
The Mosaic peace-offering — fellowship-meal with God.
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The Mosaic peace-offering / fellowship-offering described in Leviticus 3 and 7:11-21. Distinguished from the burnt-offering (entirely consumed on the altar) by the meal-element: the worshipper, the priest, and (representatively) God shared in the meat. The zebach symbolizes covenant shalom — eating together with God. Anticipates the Lord's Supper, the ultimate fellowship-meal.
📖 Key Scripture
Leviticus 3:1 — "And if his oblation be a sacrifice (zebach) of peace offering, if he offer it of the herd; whether it be a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the LORD."
Leviticus 7:15 — "And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered."
Luke 22:20 — "This cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Christians often skip Leviticus, missing how the peace-offering's meal-fellowship anticipates the Lord's Supper.
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Sacrifice in modern religious vocabulary suggests destruction (the burnt-offering). The zebach is different — a meal shared. The blood addresses sin; the eaten meat celebrates restored fellowship. The Lord's Supper inherits this shape.
Recover the meal: communion is not just memorial — it is the new-covenant zebach, the meal of restored shalom with the Father through the Son.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew zebach.
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['Hebrew', 'H2077', 'zebach', 'sacrifice, peace-offering']
['Hebrew', 'H2076', 'zabach', 'to slaughter, sacrifice']
Usage
"Zebach is the meal-sacrifice."
"Lord's Supper inherits the zebach-shape."
"Eating together: the picture of shalom."