Original Word: שְׁחִיטָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: shchiytah
Pronunciation: sh-khee-TAH
Phonetic Spelling: (shekh-ee-taw')
KJV: killing
Word Origin: [from H7819 (שָׁחַט - slaughtered)]

1. slaughter

From shachat; slaughter -- killing.

see HEBREW shachat

שְׁחִיטָה denotes the act of ritual slaughter, especially the cutting of the animal’s throat so that its blood is properly released for sacrificial purposes. Though the term appears only once in the Old Testament, it encapsulates a critical element in Israel’s worship: a life laid down, its blood poured out, and the people thereby set apart to God.

Biblical Occurrence

• 2 Chronicles 30:17 – “Since many in the assembly had not consecrated themselves, the Levites were responsible for slaughtering the Passover lambs for every unclean person, to consecrate them to the LORD.”

Historical Context

King Hezekiah’s sweeping reforms (2 Chronicles 29–31) aimed to restore covenant fidelity after a period of apostasy. Central to the reforms was the observance of Passover, previously neglected since the divided monarchy. Because many worshipers were ceremonially unclean, Levites performed the שְׁחִיטָה on their behalf, underscoring both the urgency of national repentance and the uncompromising holiness required for approach to God.

Ritual Significance

1. Atonement through Blood: By definition, שְׁחִיטָה facilitates the shedding of blood, echoing Leviticus 17:11, “For the life of the flesh is in the blood… it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.”
2. Transfer of Sin and Impurity: The slain animal bore the worshiper’s uncleanness; its death enabled purification and restored fellowship.
3. Mediation by Levites: The Levites’ intervention in 2 Chronicles 30 underscores priestly mediation, foreshadowing the ultimate Mediator (Hebrews 9:11-14).

Typology and Christological Fulfillment

Passover שְׁחִיטָה prefigures Jesus Christ, “our Passover lamb” (1 Corinthians 5:7). As the Levites conducted the slaughter for the unclean, so Christ, sinless and pure, offered Himself for the impure. The release of His blood fulfills the pattern:
• John 19:34 – “One of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water flowed out.”
• 1 Peter 1:18-19 – Believers are redeemed “with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or spot.”

Practical Ministry Applications

• Call to Consecration: Just as Hezekiah summoned Judah to purify themselves, New Testament believers are urged, “Let us cleanse ourselves from every impurity of body and spirit” (2 Corinthians 7:1).
• Corporate Responsibility: The Levites shouldered the task for those unprepared; likewise, church leaders today bear responsibility to guide and equip the flock toward holiness and right worship.
• Worship Integrity: Meticulous adherence to God’s prescribed means in the Old Covenant reminds the church that worship must center on God’s revealed will, not personal preference.

Related Concepts

Sacrifice, Blood, Passover, Atonement, Purification, Priesthood, Holiness.

Conclusion

Though hidden within a single verse, שְׁחִיטָה illuminates the heart of redemptive worship: innocent life surrendered, blood applied, people sanctified. The ancient knife in Levite hands points unerringly to Calvary, where the definitive sacrifice was made and the ultimate cleansing secured.