Sacrifice is an act of offering to God that is discussed in the Bible in numerous instances, embodying both literal and metaphorical meanings. It reverberates through the Old and New Testaments, characterizing a key spiritual principle and a fundamental part of God’s relationship with humanity.
What is the Role of Sacrifice in the Bible?
In the Bible, sacrifice broadly symbolizes mankind’s expression of faith, obedience, and love toward God. From Noah’s burnt offerings after the Great Flood to Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, sacrifices serve as a demonstration of gratitude, penance, or commitment. The act of giving something valued to God underscores the devotion of believers and their willingness to surrender earthly possessions or desires in favor of spiritual attainment.
Why is Sacrifice Significant in the Bible?
Sacrifice, in the Bible, holds significance as it showcases the quality of selflessness and unconditional love. Jesus’s sacrifice is often presented as the highest demonstration of love, embodying the concept of self-sacrifice for the greater good. This act illustrates profound love beyond human comprehension and teaches the significance of surrendering personal gain for others’ well-being. Sacrifice acts as a spiritual discipline, bringing believers closer to God by forsaking worldly desires and human instincts.
Who Offers Sacrifice in the Bible?
Various individuals in the Bible, from patriarchs to prophets to ordinary believers, have offered sacrifices as an act of worship or atonement. For instance, Cain and Abel, the sons of Adam and Eve, brought offerings to God—Abel’s being accepted as he offered his best while Cain’s was not. In another tale, Abraham was ready to sacrifice his son, Isaac, as a test of his faith and obedience to God. The most impactful sacrifice was Jesus Christ’s selfless act of redemption for humanity’s sins, setting an example for every believer.
When are Sacrifices Made in the Bible?
In biblical times, sacrifices were rendered in a variety of situations to serve differing purposes. They were offered during religious festivals, as outlined in the Old Testament, or in individual circumstances as signs of repentance, gratitude, or devotion. Major events like the consecration of priests or the dedication of the Temple also warranted sacrifices. The ultimate sacrifice, Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, came as a singular event that changed the course of human history, by providing redemption for all of mankind.
Where are Sacrifices Made in the Bible?
The Bible details multiple locations where sacrifices were made, including altars, homes, and temples. Initially, sacrifices were performed in any location deemed appropriate, like Abel’s altar or Noah’s offering after the flood. However, with God’s guiding hand, specific loci of worship were established. The Temple in Jerusalem became the primary place for sacrifices, particularly during religious holidays. However, the Bible makes it clear that physical location is less important than the heart’s intent, demonstrated by Jesus’s self-sacrifice on the cross.
Below is the full list of bible verses on sacrifice (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Sacrifice
Hebrews 13:16
“16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Related Themes: Strangers Sharing Charity Pleasing God
Romans 12:1-2
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Romans 5:8
“8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”
Related Themes: Love Bitterness Greatness Fidelity
Romans 12:1
“1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Hosea 6:6
“6 For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God Loyalty Desire Mercy
Proverbs 21:3
“3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.”
Related Themes: Justice Integrity Pleasing God Righteousness
Hebrews 13:15
“15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Related Themes: Attitude Worship Pleasing God Music
Genesis 22:2
“2 And he said, Take now thy son, thine only son Isaac, whom thou lovest, and get thee into the land of Moriah; and offer him there for a burnt offering upon one of the mountains which I will tell thee of.”
Related Themes: Surrender Surrendering Family
John 15:12-14
“12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.”
Related Themes: Strangers Love Friendship Homelessness
Philippians 2:4
“4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Related Themes: Selfishness Selflessness Dating Serving Others
Ephesians 5:2
“2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.”
1 Samuel 15:22
“22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”
Related Themes: Obedience Pleasing God Obedience
Matthew 9:13
“13 But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Related Themes: Repentance Mercy Pleasing God
1 John 2:2
“2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
Related Themes: Lust Forgiveness Equality Atonement
2 Peter 3:9
“9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”
Related Themes: Repentance Patience Attitude Suffering Quitting
1 Peter 2:4-10
“4 To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,5 Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.6 Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded.7 Unto you therefore which believe he is precious: but unto them which be disobedient, the stone which the builders disallowed, the same is made the head of the corner,8 And a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, even to them which stumble at the word, being disobedient: whereunto also they were appointed.9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.”
Related Themes: Rejection Holiness Suffering Foundation
John 15:13
“13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Related Themes: Love Friendship Homelessness Life Strangers
Psalm 40:6
“6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required.”
Leviticus 17:11
“11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.”
Psalm 51:17
“17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Related Themes: Humility Heart Repentance Broken Heart
Psalm 51:16-17
“16 For thou desirest not sacrifice; else would I give it: thou delightest not in burnt offering.17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.”
Related Themes: Pleasing God
Mark 10:45
“45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Related Themes: Humility Homelessness Serving Others Serving God Service
Titus 2:14
“14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”
Related Themes: Redemption Pleasing God
Romans 3:25
“25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;”
Related Themes: Omnipotence Patience
Philippians 2:17
“17 Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.”
Hebrews 9:14
“14 How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Conscience Purity Hate
Hebrews 10:14
“14 For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.”
Related Themes: Glorification Doubt Perfection
Hebrews 13:15-16
“15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Related Themes: Attitude Worship Pleasing God Music
Luke 9:24
“24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”
