🌙
☀️
← Back to Lexicon
G2380 · Greek · New Testament
θύω
Thyō
Verb
To Sacrifice; To Slaughter; To Kill

Definition

The Greek thyō (G2380) means to sacrifice or slaughter — it is used for both sacrificial offerings to God and ordinary slaughter for food. Its most theologically loaded occurrence is 1 Corinthians 5:7: 'For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (thyō).' In Luke 15:23-30, the father in the parable of the prodigal son commands: 'Kill (thyō) the fattened calf and let's have a feast.' In Acts 14:13, the priest of Zeus wants to sacrifice bulls to Barnabas and Paul — the pagan reflex of thyō.

Usage & Theological Significance

Thyō in 1 Corinthians 5:7 is one of the most compact atonement statements in the NT. Paul draws the direct typological line: the Passover lamb that was slaughtered (thyō) to protect Israel from the angel of death points to Christ, who was slaughtered once-for-all to protect His people from eternal death. The Passover required both the sacrifice and the application of blood — both are fulfilled in Christ's cross (the sacrifice) and the believer's faith (the application). And because Christ 'our Passover has been thyō'd,' the church can celebrate the feast — with sincerity and truth (v.8).

Key Bible Verses

1 Corinthians 5:7 For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed (thyō). Therefore let us keep the Festival.
Luke 15:23 'Bring the fattened calf and kill (thyō) it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.'
John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill (thyō) and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
Exodus 12:6 Take care of them until the fourteenth day of the month, when all the members of the community of Israel must slaughter them at twilight.
Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

Related Words

External Resources