CategoryDoctrine / Church Practice Term
Modern Equivalentsacred rite; ordinance.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / church practice term
DefinitionA sacred rite or ceremony instituted by Christ to convey grace, such as baptism and the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 28:19; 1 Corinthians 11:23–26).
Key Verses"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:" (Matthew 28:19); "For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread:" (1 Corinthians 11:23)
KJV Usage Note“Sacrament” is a later theological term; the KJV text more directly names baptism and the Lord’s supper.
Common Misunderstanding“Sacrament” is a later theological label; the KJV text more directly names baptism and the Lord’s supper.
EtymologyFrom Latin sacramentum ("oath, sacred rite").