עֲזָאזֵל

goat of departure; the scapegoat

Definition

The Hebrew word עֲזָאזֵל (azazel) refers to a key ritual element in the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ceremony described in Leviticus 16. It is most commonly understood as the 'scapegoat'—the live goat upon which the high priest symbolically placed the sins of Israel before it was sent away into the wilderness (Leviticus 16:10). Some scholars interpret the term as a name for a demonic desert entity or a desolate place, but the ritual's primary function is clear: it represents the complete removal of the people's iniquities. The goat for Azazel stands in contrast to the goat sacrificed to the LORD, together forming the two-goat sin offering that achieves atonement (Leviticus 16:8-10).

Biblical Usage

This word is used exclusively in Leviticus 16, detailing the Day of Atonement ritual. It appears three times, always in the phrase 'for Azazel' (לַעֲזָאזֵל), designating one of the two goats chosen by lot. The goat for Azazel is not sacrificed but is presented alive before the LORD, has the nation's sins confessed over it, and is then led away into an uninhabited land (Leviticus 16:10, 21-22). Its final handling by a designated man renders him unclean, requiring washing (Leviticus 16:26).

Etymology

The etymology is debated. It is traditionally derived from עֵז (ez, H5795), meaning 'goat,' and אָזַל (azal, H235), meaning 'to go away,' hence 'goat of departure' or 'scapegoat.' Alternative theories suggest it may be a compound name for a desert demon (e.g., 'mighty goat' or 'strong one of God') or refer to the rugged wilderness terrain itself. The ritual context strongly supports the concept of removal.

Semantic Range

Azazel is profoundly significant for understanding biblical atonement. The scapegoat ritual vividly portrays the substitutionary bearing and complete removal of sin from the community, a core theme later fulfilled in Christ's sacrificial work (cf. John 1:29; Hebrews 9-10). It illustrates God's provision for dealing with guilt and impurity, emphasizing that sin must be utterly banished from His presence. Understanding this Hebrew concept enriches the New Testament portrayal of Jesus as the ultimate sin-bearer.

In its ancient Israelite context, the Azazel ritual was a powerful, visual drama of purification. Sending a live goat into the wilderness—a place associated with chaos and danger—symbolized returning sin to its origin or removing it to a realm beyond the ordered community. This differed from other sacrifices involving blood at the altar, uniquely combining confession, transference, and banishment. The ritual's annual performance on Yom Kippur was central to maintaining the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

חַטָּאת (chatta'th, H2403) — This is the general word for 'sin offering,' which includes the two-goat ritual for Azazel. The goat for Azazel is a specific component of the sin offering for the nation.

Word Details

Scripture References