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    Blood (Haima)

    αἷμα (haima)

    The life-substance — the means of atonement, covenant, and purification.

    Greek
    Strong's G129
    Pronunciation: HAI-mah
    Quick Answer

    Haima is the Greek word for blood, central to Scripture's theology of atonement. 'The life of the flesh is in the blood' — blood represents life given sacrificially, culminating in Christ's blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.

    "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission." — Hebrews 9:22 (KJV)

    Key Verses

    Hebrews 9:22

    “And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.”
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    1 Peter 1:19

    “But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
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    Revelation 12:11

    “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.”
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    Strong's Concordance

    Strong's G129 — Blood (Haima) (αἷμα (haima))

    Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where αἷμα (haima) appears.

    Open Strong's G129

    Etymology and Original Meaning

    Haima means 'blood' — the red fluid of life. The Hebrew equivalent dam carries the same weight. In the biblical worldview, blood is not merely biological but deeply theological: it represents life itself (Leviticus 17:11). Because life belongs to God, blood is sacred — both its shedding (violence) and its offering (sacrifice) carry profound significance.

    Blood and the Sacrificial System

    The Mosaic sacrificial system centered on blood. Passover blood on the doorposts saved Israel's firstborn (Exodus 12). The Day of Atonement required blood sprinkled on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16). 'Without shedding of blood is no remission' (Hebrews 9:22). Every animal sacrifice was a solemn visual lesson: sin costs life, and life can only be restored through a substitute.

    The Blood of Christ

    Christ's blood fulfills and replaces the entire sacrificial system. His blood is 'precious' (1 Peter 1:19) — infinitely valuable because it is the blood of the sinless Son of God. It cleanses from all sin (1 John 1:7), ratifies the new covenant (Luke 22:20), purchases the church (Acts 20:28), and brings near those who were far off (Ephesians 2:13).

    Overcoming by the Blood

    Revelation 12:11 declares that believers overcome Satan 'by the blood of the Lamb.' Christ's blood is not only the basis of forgiveness but the weapon of spiritual victory. It silences the accuser, breaks the chains of guilt, and assures believers of their acceptance before God. The blood of Christ is the believer's ultimate ground of confidence.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why is blood important in the Bible?

    Blood represents life (Leviticus 17:11) and is the means of atonement. Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sins (Hebrews 9:22). Christ's blood is the ultimate and final sacrifice.

    What does the blood of Christ do?

    Christ's blood cleanses from sin (1 John 1:7), ratifies the new covenant (Luke 22:20), purchases the church (Acts 20:28), overcomes Satan (Revelation 12:11), and secures eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12).

    What does "Blood (Haima)" mean in the Bible?

    The life-substance — the means of atonement, covenant, and purification. The underlying Greek word is αἷμα (haima) ("HAI-mah"), Strong's G129. Haima is the Greek word for blood, central to Scripture's theology of atonement.

    Which Bible verse uses the word "Blood (Haima)"?

    Hebrews 9:22 — "And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission" (KJV). It also appears in 1 Peter 1:19, Revelation 12:11.

    Related Words

    Atonement
    Propitiation

    Related Reading

    Continue your study with related content from across our library:

    Word Meaning

    Blood (Haima) (αἷμα (haima))

    The life-substance — the means of atonement, covenant, and purification.

    Strong's

    Strong's G129 — Blood (Haima)

    αἷμα (haima) • The life-substance — the means of atonement, covenant, and purification.

    Word Meaning

    Blood (דָּם (Dam) / αἷμα (Haima))

    The life-force; symbol of atonement and covenant

    Dream Meaning

    Biblical Meaning of Blood in a Dream (KJV)

    Life, atonement, and covenant with God.

    Verses About

    Bible Verses About Blood Atonement

    10 curated KJV verses

    Strong's

    Strong's H1818 — Blood (Dam)

    דָּם (dam) • The life-fluid — sacred substance representing life, sacrifice, and covenant relationship.

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