[Greek] σπένδω (spendō), [Latin] libare: to pour out, to make a libation, to be poured out like a drink, to devote one’s life (or blood) as a sacrifice, to be ready, to be offered, to be poured out as a drink offering; Php.2:17, 2Tim.4:6
Trajan’s Column in Rome: Emperor Trajan pours a libation on an altar in a ceremony to inaugurate the Danube bridge.
Background Information:
Greco-Roman culture: This is a cultic term which means to pour out a portion of a drink on the ground as an offering. Libations (drink offerings) were often on par with animal sacrifices. In addition to symposia (drinking parties), libations were made in various circumstances. Such situations include animal sacrifices, seeking help from the gods, swearing of oaths, concluding treaties, recognizing important events, launching of ships and armies, and honoring the gods (and fallen heroes). In some mystery “religions,” wine and blood were poured out together.
Symposium: This is essentially a drinking party in which influential persons would assemble together to discuss various topics and celebrate special occasions. A libation is poured out any time wine is to be drunk. Generally, a libation was first made to Zeus, then to fallen heroes, and then to Zeus Teleios (god of endings). Homer’s Illiad 7.480 captures the essence of making a libation. The passage states “And they let the wine flow from their cups upon the ground, neither does any man drink until he had made a drinking offering to the gods.” In ancient Roman religion, a libation was an act of worship in the form of a liquid offering. Some tombs were equipped with tubes to receive these libations.
Old Testament: This term is specifically linked to the Hebrew term nasak, which means to pour out, to cast metal, to anoint, and to cover. Examples include pouring out a drink offering (or wine), casting out graven images with molten gold, and anointing. This act of pouring signifies a dedication of a covenant and instituting a king. Libation in Israel was most likely adopted from the pagan world. Libations poured upon the altar were often joined with animal sacrifices. Interestingly, there are closely related Hebrew terms which refer to the pouring out (shedding) of blood and the pouring out (emptying) of one’s life. Pouring out, shedding blood, and emptying one’s self all involve offering of one’s self. Jacob set up a pillar and he poured a drink offering on it (Gen.35:14). To cover it with of pure gold (Ex.25:29). He burnt his burnt offering and poured his drink offering (2Kgs.16:13). They shall not offer a wine offering to the Lord (Hos.9:4). The woman casted a graven image (Isa.40:19). Pour out drink offerings to the gods (Jer.7:18). The Lord has poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep (Isa.29:10). Blood libations to them (gods) I will not pour out (Psa.16:4). The priest stretched for his hand for the cup to offer the blood of the grape, and he poured it at the foot of the altar (Sir. 50:15)
New Testament: This term, occurring only twice, spiritualizes the cultic practice of pouring out libations on the altar. The drink offering represents the offering of life. This pouring out makes reference to Paul’s martyrdom. Paul already offers himself up in his ministry and apostleship. These two scriptural references make later reference to the shedding of Paul’s blood (death) on the altar. Interestingly, this closely ties to Jesus’ emptying of Himself, shedding His blood and even dying on the Cross (Php.2:7).
Scripture:
“But, even if I am poured out as a libation upon the sacrificial service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with all of you.” Php.2:17
In ancient religious rituals, the pouring out of a liquid on the ground becomes part of the sacrificial offering. Paul means he will be facing death.
“For I am already being poured out like a libation, and the time of my departure is at hand.” 2Tim.4:6
Paul’s death will be imminent. Paul regard his death as an act of worship in which his blood will be poured out in sacrifice.
Conclusion:
Spend, spent, libation
It was very interesting to learn about those situations and circumstances when a libation was called for. Essentially, libations were used to celebrate, inaugurate, and affirm events. Animal sacrifices were often performed in conjunction with libations.
The ancient symposium becomes the precursor to the modern day symposium which occurs in the corporate (business) world. A speaker discuss a topic or theme. A meal also often occurs.
To be honest, I was not very familiar with the act of pouring out libations in a sacrificial offering. One can visualize the act of pouring out holy oil as the prophet anoints a king.
It is interesting to note that the cultic act of pouring out libations becomes more spiritualized when this refers to Paul and Jesus. Paul’s life is to be poured out for Christ. This also helps to shed light on how Jesus also pours out His blood on this journey to the Cross.
Libation is one of these words which we do not really use in ordinary conversation. Instead, we just use drink.