middle voice from the same as ἵλεως; to conciliate, i.e. (transitively) to atone for (sin), or (intransitively) be propitious:--be merciful, make reconciliation for.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G2433 (hiláskomai) is derived from the adjective ἵλεως (hileōs), meaning "gracious," "merciful," or "propitious." As a middle voice verb, its core meaning encompasses the act of conciliation, specifically in relation to sin and divine displeasure. It carries a dual semantic range:
1. **Transitive:** "To atone for (sin)" or "to make propitiation for." In this sense, the action is directed towards sin, with the aim of removing its guilt and consequence, thereby satisfying divine justice. This often implies turning away divine wrath.
2. **Intransitive:** "To be propitious" or "to be merciful." Here, the subject (often God) is disposed to show favor or mercy, often in response to an appeal or an act of atonement.
Crucially, hiláskomai is not merely about "covering" sin in a superficial sense, but about addressing the righteous demands of God in response to human transgression. It points to an action that renders God propitious, meaning favorably inclined, by dealing with the impediment of sin. This concept is distinct from, though related to, simple forgiveness, as it emphasizes the satisfaction of divine justice.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verb G2433 (hiláskomai) appears only twice in the New Testament, yet its theological significance is profound, especially when considered alongside its cognates and its usage in the Septuagint (LXX).
1. **[[Luke 18:13]]**: "But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me, a sinner!'"
In this context, hiláskomai is used intransitively in the imperative ("be merciful" or "be propitious"). The tax collector's plea is not for himself to *make* propitiation, but for God *to be* propitious or merciful towards him. This highlights the sinner's desperate need for divine favor and the recognition of personal unworthiness before a holy God. It is an appeal to God's character as one who can and will show mercy when His justice is met.
2. **[[Hebrews 2:17]]**: "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people."
Here, hiláskomai is used transitively ("to make propitiation for"). This verse is a cornerstone for understanding Christ's high priestly work. It explicitly states that Jesus' incarnation and suffering were necessary so that He, as the ultimate High Priest, could effectively deal with the sins of humanity. His role is to perform the act that satisfies God's just demands concerning sin, thereby turning away divine wrath and making reconciliation possible. This is the divine provision for humanity's sin problem.
**Septuagint (LXX) Usage:**
The usage of hiláskomai in the LXX is critical for understanding its New Testament meaning. It frequently translates the Hebrew verb `{{H3722}}` (kaphar), which means "to cover," "to purge," or "to atone." In the Old Testament, kaphar is central to the sacrificial system, describing the actions of priests who "make atonement" for sins through prescribed rituals and offerings (e.g., [[Leviticus 16:30]], [[Numbers 8:19]]). This background firmly establishes hiláskomai within the theological framework of atonement, where a breach between God and humanity caused by sin is remedied through a divinely appointed means, leading to the restoration of fellowship. The LXX usage underscores that the purpose of hiláskomai is to deal with sin in such a way that God's righteous indignation is satisfied, and His favor is extended.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of G2433 (hiláskomai) is rich with interconnected terms that illuminate its meaning:
* **ἵλεως (hileōs)**: The root adjective (G2436), meaning "gracious," "merciful," or "propitious." It describes the favorable disposition that hiláskomai aims to achieve or express.
* **G2435 (hilastērion)**: A related noun, meaning "propitiation" or "atoning sacrifice." In [[Romans 3:25]], Christ is presented as the hilastērion, the "mercy seat" or "propitiatory sacrifice" through His blood. In [[Hebrews 9:5]], it refers to the "mercy seat" (the cover of the Ark of the Covenant) where atonement was made. This term points to the *means* or *place* of propitiation.
* **G2434 (hilasmos)**: Another related noun, meaning "propitiation" or "atonement." [[1 John 2:2]] and [[1 John 4:10]] declare Christ as the hilasmos for our sins and for the sins of the whole world. This term emphasizes the *act* or *result* of propitiation.
* **`{{H3722}}` (kaphar)**: The primary Hebrew term for "atonement," often translated by hiláskomai in the LXX. It signifies covering, purging, or making expiation for sin.
* **G2643 (katallasso)**: "To reconcile." While hiláskomai focuses on satisfying divine justice and turning away wrath, katallasso emphasizes the restoration of a relationship that was broken by sin ([[Romans 5:10]], [[2 Corinthians 5:18-19]]). The former is a necessary prerequisite for the latter.
* **G859 (aphesis)**: "Forgiveness" or "remission." This term denotes the dismissal of guilt or penalty, often as a result of the propitiatory act.
The concept embedded in hiláskomai is often described as "propitiation," which involves appeasing or satisfying divine wrath against sin. This is distinct from "expiation," which focuses solely on the removal of sin or guilt. While both are aspects of atonement, hiláskomai leans heavily towards the propitiatory aspect, highlighting the need for God's righteous demands to be met.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G2433 (hiláskomai) is immense, as it lies at the heart of the New Testament's understanding of salvation and the work of Christ.
1. **Addressing Divine Wrath:** hiláskomai directly confronts the problem of God's holy wrath against sin. It implies that sin incurs divine displeasure and that a just God cannot simply overlook transgression. Propitiation is the means by which this wrath is averted.
2. **God's Initiative:** Crucially, Christian theology emphasizes that God Himself provides the means of propitiation. It is not humanity appeasing an unwilling or angry deity, but God, in His boundless love, providing the solution to His own righteous indignation. [[1 John 4:10]] states, "In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins." This highlights God's active role in securing salvation.
3. **Christ's Atoning Work:** [[Hebrews 2:17]] unequivocally identifies Jesus Christ as the one who "makes propitiation for the sins of the people." Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Christ fully satisfied the righteous demands of God's law and justice. He is both the perfect High Priest who offers the sacrifice and the spotless Lamb who *is* the sacrifice. His death is the ultimate act of propitiation, effectively turning away God's wrath from those who believe.
4. **Reconciliation and Access to God:** By making propitiation, Christ removes the barrier of sin that separated humanity from God. This allows for reconciliation (G2643 katallasso) and grants believers confident access to the Father ([[Ephesians 2:18]], [[Hebrews 4:16]]).
5. **Justice and Mercy United:** hiláskomai beautifully demonstrates how God's perfect justice and His infinite mercy are not in conflict but are perfectly reconciled in the person and work of Christ. God's justice demands a penalty for sin, and His mercy provides the means by which that penalty is paid.
### Summary
G2433 (hiláskomai) signifies the act of making propitiation for sins or being merciful/propitious. Rooted in the concept of turning away divine wrath by satisfying God's righteous demands, it is a crucial term in the New Testament's theology of atonement. While the tax collector in [[Luke 18:13]] pleads for God to *be* merciful, [[Hebrews 2:17]] declares that Jesus Christ *makes* propitiation for the sins of His people. This highlights God's initiative in providing the means by which His justice is upheld and His mercy extended. Through Christ's atoning sacrifice, the barrier of sin is removed, divine wrath is appeased, and reconciliation with a holy God becomes possible for all who believe.
TRV