Sacrifice in the Bible
Old Testament sacrifices were not God's appetite for blood but His provision for sin — every offering foreshadowing the once-for-all offering of Christ.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →Hebrews 10:10
“By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”Read in context
Isaiah 53:10
“When thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed.”Read in context
Psalm 51:17
“The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”Read in context
Sacrifice in the Law
Zebach (H2077), olah (H5930), and related terms describe a layered system in Leviticus — sin, peace, burnt, and grain offerings — each picturing a facet of dealing with God.
Christ's one sacrifice
Hebrews insists Christ offered one sacrifice for sins for ever (Hebrews 10:12). The old system was the shadow; Christ is the substance.
Frequently asked questions
Why did God require animal sacrifices?
Because life is in the blood (Leviticus 17:11) and sin required substitutionary atonement — the whole system pointing forward to Christ (Hebrews 10:1).
Do Christians still offer sacrifices?
Not for sin — Christ's once-for-all offering ended that (Hebrews 10:10). Believers offer themselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1) and sacrifices of praise (Hebrews 13:15).