Jump to: Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Easton's • Webster's • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia The term "scapegoat" originates from the Hebrew word "Azazel," which appears in the context of the Day of Atonement rituals described in Leviticus 16. In this chapter, God instructs Moses on the procedures for the annual Day of Atonement, a sacred day for the Israelites to atone for their sins.Biblical Context Leviticus 16:8-10 states: "After Aaron casts lots for the two goats, one for the LORD and the other for the scapegoat, he shall present the goat chosen by lot for the LORD and sacrifice it as a sin offering. But the goat chosen by lot for the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the LORD to make atonement by sending it into the wilderness as a scapegoat." The ritual involved two goats. One was sacrificed as a sin offering to the Lord, symbolizing the payment for the people's sins. The other, the scapegoat, was presented alive. Aaron, the high priest, would lay his hands on the head of the scapegoat, confessing over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. This act symbolically transferred the sins of the people onto the goat. The scapegoat was then sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sin from the community. Symbolism and Significance The scapegoat ritual is rich in symbolism. It represents the dual aspects of atonement: the need for a sacrificial offering to satisfy divine justice and the removal of sin from the people. The sending away of the scapegoat into the wilderness illustrates the complete separation of sin from the community, as expressed in Psalm 103:12 : "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." Theological Implications From a theological perspective, the scapegoat is a foreshadowing of the ultimate atonement provided by Jesus Christ. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains: "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." In Christian theology, Jesus is seen as both the sacrificial offering and the one who removes sin. His death on the cross fulfills the need for a sin offering, while His resurrection and ascension signify the removal of sin and the reconciliation of humanity with God. Cultural and Historical Context The concept of a scapegoat has transcended its original biblical context and entered broader cultural usage, often referring to someone who is unfairly blamed for the problems of others. However, in its original biblical setting, the scapegoat was a divinely ordained means of atonement and purification for the Israelites. Conclusion The scapegoat ritual, as described in Leviticus 16, is a profound element of the Old Testament sacrificial system, pointing forward to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. It underscores the seriousness of sin, the necessity of atonement, and the grace of God in providing a means for reconciliation. Smith's Bible Dictionary Scapegoat[ATONEMENT, THE DAY OF, DAY OF] ATS Bible Dictionary ScapegoatHebrew AZAZEL, a word used only in connection with the ceremonies of the great Day of Atonement, Le 16:8,10,26, as to the derivation and meaning of which there has been great diversity of opinion. The safest and best interpretation is, that the goat itself symbolically bore away the sins of God's people from His presence and remembrance, Psalm 103:12. See EXPIATION. Easton's Bible Dictionary Leviticus 16:8-26; R.V., "the goat for Azazel" (q.v.), the name given to the goat which was taken away into the wilderness on the day of Atonement (16:20-22). The priest made atonement over the scapegoat, laying Israel's guilt upon it, and then sent it away, the goat bearing "upon him all their iniquities unto a land not inhabited."At a later period an evasion or modification of the law of Moses was introduced by the Jews. "The goat was conducted to a mountain named Tzuk, situated at a distance of ten Sabbath days' journey, or about six and a half English miles, from Jerusalem. At this place the Judean desert was supposed to commence; and the man in whose charge the goat was sent out, while setting him free, was instructed to push the unhappy beast down the slope of the mountain side, which was so steep as to insure the death of the goat, whose bones were broken by the fall. The reason of this barbarous custom was that on one occasion the scapegoat returned to Jerusalem after being set free, which was considered such an evil omen that its recurrence was prevented for the future by the death of the goat" (Twenty-one Years' Work in the Holy Land). This mountain is now called el-Muntar. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A goat upon whose head were symbolically placed the sins of the people, after which he was suffered to escape into the wilderness.2. (n.) Hence, a person or thing that is made to bear blame for others. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SCAPE-GOATskap'-got. Greek 5422. phrenapatao -- to deceive the mind ... 5422 ("confused inside-out") means to become the victim of one's own confused -- which then God for it or makes others "the scapegoat." This mind-set is ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5422.htm - 7k Strong's Hebrew 5799. azazel -- entire removal... 5798, 5799. azazel. 5800 . entire removal. Transliteration: azazel Phonetic Spelling: (az-aw-zale') Short Definition: scapegoat. ... scapegoat. ... /hebrew/5799.htm - 6k Library 'The Scapegoat' Jesus the Scapegoat. The Day of Atonement The Day of Atonement What is the Sanctuary? What is the Sanctuary? Desolation of the Earth. Desolation of the Earth None but Jesus The Investigative Judgment. Thesaurus Scapegoat (3 Occurrences)... The priest made atonement over the scapegoat, laying Israel's guilt upon it, and then sent it away, the goat bearing "upon him all their iniquities unto a land ... /s/scapegoat.htm - 9k Goat (92 Occurrences) Presented (114 Occurrences) Lets (31 Occurrences) Lots (26 Occurrences) Gesture Azazel (3 Occurrences) Alive (166 Occurrences) Scanty (4 Occurrences) Scape-goat (3 Occurrences) Resources What is the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur)? | GotQuestions.orgMiscellaneous Bible Questions (All) | GotQuestions.org Why is "the devil made me do it" not a valid excuse? | GotQuestions.org Scapegoat: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Scapegoat (3 Occurrences)Leviticus 16:8 Leviticus 16:10 Leviticus 16:26 Subtopics Scapegoat: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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