The Hebrew word ʻittîy, represented by H6261, means timely or fit. It is a rare term, appearing only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the entire Bible, highlighting its specific and significant application.
The sole use of H6261 is found within the detailed instructions for the Day of Atonement in Leviticus 16:21. In this crucial ritual, Aaron H175 is commanded to lay both his hands H3027 on the head H7218 of a live H2416 goat H8163. He then confesses H3034 over it all the iniquities H5771, transgressions H6588, and sins H2403 of the children of Israel H3478. After these sins are symbolically put H5414 upon the goat's head, it is sent away H7971 into the wilderness H4057 by the hand of a fit H6261 man H376. The term specifies that the individual chosen for this task must be suitable and ready for this sacred duty.
Several related words from its context in Leviticus 16:21 illuminate the meaning of this ritual:
- H175 ʼAhărôwn (Aaron): As the brother of Moses, he acts in the priestly role, performing the confession and transfer of sin.
- H8163 sâʻîyr (goat): This term, meaning shaggy or a he-goat, refers to the animal that bears the sins of the people.
- H5771 ʻâvôn (iniquity): Described as perversity or moral evil, this is what is confessed over and placed upon the goat.
- H7971 shâlach (to send away): This primitive root signifies the purpose of the ritual: to send away or cast out the sins from the community.
The theological weight of H6261 is tied directly to the concept of atonement and purification.
- Symbolic Atonement: The act of Aaron H175 confessing H3034 the iniquities H5771 and transgressions H6588 of Israel H3478 over the goat H8163 is a powerful symbol of sin being removed from the people Leviticus 16:21.
- Required Fitness: The specification of a fit H6261 man H376 emphasizes that participation in God's redemptive work requires specific qualifications. It is not a casual task but one that demands a prepared and suitable agent.
- Complete Removal of Sin: Sending the goat into the wilderness H4057 by the hand of this fit man represents the total banishment of sin from the presence of God and His people, a theme central to the Day of Atonement.
In summary, while H6261 appears only once, its meaning as fit or timely is pivotal. It defines the necessary quality of the person entrusted with the final step in the Day of Atonement ceremony: leading the scapegoat into the wilderness. The word underscores the divine precision and seriousness required when dealing with the transfer and removal of sin according to God's command.
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