Mizbéa'h: meaning of the Hebrew word

Updated 27 October 2026 · By Pastor Douceur Mulongo Nkulu Zoao, author of ZAMAR · CAP ministry, Lubumbashi, DR Congo

Mizbéa'h (מִזְבֵּחַ, pronounced "mizbéa'h", Strong's H4196) is a Biblical Hebrew word meaning: The altar. From zavach, "to sacrifice": the place where an offering is made to God.

Word study

Mizbéa'h in the Bible

"Then Noah built an altar to the LORD."Genesis 8:20 (Berean Standard Bible)

Mizbéa'h in the book ZAMAR

Pastor Douceur Mulongo Nkulu Zoao studies this word in chapter 3 of ZAMAR (in French), « Zamar face aux autres mots de l'adoration ». Its message: worship is more than singing; it is offering one's whole life to God and letting Him prune us like a vinedresser prunes the vine (John 15:2). The chapter costs 3.99 USD as a PDF, or 29.99 USD for the whole book.

Watch

Mizbeach: the true meaning of the Hebrew word for altar — Word of the week: mizbeach comes from zavach, "to sacrifice": the place where we offer to God (Genesis 8:20). YouTube

Frequently asked questions

What does Mizbéa'h mean?

Mizbéa'h (מִזְבֵּחַ) is a Biblical Hebrew word (Strong's H4196). The altar. From zavach, "to sacrifice": the place where an offering is made to God.

How do you pronounce Mizbéa'h?

It is pronounced "mizbéa'h".

Where is Mizbéa'h found in the Bible?

For example in Genesis 8:20: "Then Noah built an altar to the LORD."

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