from עֵז and אָזַל; goat of departure; the scapegoat; scapegoat.
Transliteration:ʻăzâʼzêl
Pronunciation:az-aw-zale'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5799}}` (ʻăzâʼzêl) is a unique and significant word, appearing exclusively in the Old Testament within the context of the Day of Atonement ritual. Its etymology is generally understood as a compound of `{{H5795}}` (ʻēz), meaning "goat," and `{{H235}}` (ʼāzal), meaning "to go away" or "to depart." Thus, the most direct translation of `{{H5799}}` is "goat of departure" or "goat that goes away," leading to the common English rendering "scapegoat." While some ancient interpretations and modern scholarly discussions have debated whether Azazel refers to a specific place, a demonic entity, or a personification of the wilderness, the primary biblical usage and etymological root strongly support its designation as the goat sent away into the wilderness, bearing the sins of the people. Its semantic range is therefore tightly constrained to this specific sacrificial and symbolic animal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term `{{H5799}}` appears four times in the Hebrew Bible, all within [[Leviticus 16]], which describes the elaborate rituals for Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement.
1. [[Leviticus 16:8]]: Here, Aaron is instructed to cast lots over two goats: "one lot for Yahweh and the other lot for Azazel." This establishes the distinct purpose for each goat.
2. [[Leviticus 16:10]]: This verse clarifies the destiny of the goat designated "for Azazel": it is to be "presented alive before Yahweh, to make atonement over it, to send it away into the wilderness for Azazel." This highlights its role in the atonement process, specifically through its removal.
3. [[Leviticus 16:26]]: This verse describes the person who leads the goat "for Azazel" into the wilderness: "The one who leads the goat for Azazel into the wilderness must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; afterward he may come into the camp." This purification ritual underscores the sacred yet defiling nature of handling the sin-laden animal.
The ritual involving the `{{H5799}}` goat is critical to the Day of Atonement. After the high priest makes atonement for himself and his household, he takes the two goats. One goat is sacrificed as a sin offering to Yahweh. Over the head of the live goat "for Azazel," Aaron confesses all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites, placing them on the goat. The goat is then led by a designated man into an uninhabited wilderness, symbolizing the complete removal of the nation's sins from the camp and from the presence of God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of `{{H5799}}` is enriched by its relationship to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H5795}}` (ʻēz):** "Goat." This is the direct root for the animal itself, emphasizing the physical medium through which the ritual is performed.
* **`{{H235}}` (ʼāzal):** "To go away," "to depart." This root highlights the action of removal and separation inherent in the scapegoat's role.
* **`{{H2398}}` (ḥaṭṭāʼt):** "Sin offering." The `{{H5799}}` goat complements the sin offering made "for Yahweh," both contributing to the overall atonement for sin.
* **`{{H3722}}` (kāpar):** "To cover," "to atone." The entire Day of Atonement ritual, including the `{{H5799}}` goat, is designed to achieve atonement for the people and the sanctuary.
* **`{{H2403}}` (ḥēṭʼ):** "Sin." The sins of the people are symbolically transferred to the `{{H5799}}` goat, which then carries them away.
* **`{{H4057}}` (midbār):** "Wilderness," "desert." This is the destination of the `{{H5799}}` goat, a desolate and uninhabited place, emphasizing the complete expulsion and isolation of the sins.
* **Purity and Impurity:** The ritual addresses the defilement caused by sin and aims to restore the purity of the community before God.
### Theological Significance
The `{{H5799}}` goat holds profound theological significance, primarily as a vivid illustration of God's complete removal of sin.
1. **Atonement and Removal of Sin:** The most direct theological lesson is that God provides a means for the complete expiation and removal of sin. Unlike the sacrificial goat "for Yahweh" which atones through its death, the `{{H5799}}` goat atones by carrying the sins away, symbolizing that once confessed and dealt with, sin is utterly removed from the community and from God's sight. This provides assurance of divine forgiveness and cleansing.
2. **Substitutionary Bearing of Sin:** While not a blood sacrifice, the `{{H5799}}` goat embodies a form of substitution. It takes upon itself the confessed sins of the people, bearing them away into a place of desolation. This act prevents the sins from remaining within the camp and defiling the holy presence of God.
3. **Holiness of God:** The ritual underscores the absolute holiness of God, who cannot dwell in the midst of unconfessed or unatoned sin. The removal of sin ensures that the covenant relationship between God and Israel remains intact.
4. **Typology of Christ:** Many Christian theologians view the `{{H5799}}` goat as a powerful type of Jesus Christ. Just as the `{{H5799}}` goat bore the sins of Israel away into the wilderness, Jesus, the ultimate "scapegoat," bore the sins of humanity on the cross, taking them "outside the gate" ([[Hebrews 13:11-13]]) to a place of judgment and utterly removing them. His sacrifice not only covers sin but completely carries it away, making reconciliation with God possible ([[John 1:29]]).
### Summary
`{{H5799}}` (ʻăzâʼzêl) designates the "goat of departure" or "scapegoat" in the Day of Atonement ritual described in [[Leviticus 16]]. This unique term, derived from "goat" and "to depart," refers to the live goat over which the sins of Israel were confessed and then sent into the uninhabited wilderness. Its primary theological significance lies in symbolizing the complete removal and expiation of sin, ensuring the purity of the community and the ongoing covenant relationship with God. For Christians, the `{{H5799}}` goat serves as a profound Old Testament type, foreshadowing the ultimate work of Jesus Christ, who perfectly bore the sins of humanity, carrying them away forever.
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