σφάζω
To slaughter
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does σφάζω (spházō) mean in the Bible?
σφάζω (spházō) is a Greek word meaning "to slaughter". σφάζω [in LXX chiefly for שָׁחַט ;] to slay, slaughter (esp.
Meaning
Violent slaughter, especially of sacrificial victims; NT usage emphasizes martyrdom and eschatological violence.
to slay, slaughter (esp. of victims for sacrifice): ἀρνίον, Rev.5:6, 12 13:8; of persons, 1Jn.3:12, Rev.5:9 6:4, 9 18:24; ἐσφαγμένη εἰς θάνατον (RV, smitten unto death), Rev.13:3 (cf. κατα-σφάζω).
Grammatical Forms
How mood, tense, and voice shift the force of this verb in context.
Indicative states a fact or reality 4×
Participle verbal adjective — the action as a modifying quality 6×
Discourse Aspect
How this verb appears across 10 occurrences in the NT discourse index (MACULA Greek SBLGNT).
Aspect reflects grammatical form — not authorial emphasis. Participles and infinitives are verbal adjectives and nouns respectively.
Clause data: MACULA Greek (Clear Bible, CC BY 4.0) · SBLGNT (Logos/SBL, CC BY 4.0)
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.