ἱλάσκομαι

I have mercy on, forgive

Definition

The verb ἱλάσκομαι (ilaskomai) fundamentally means to make propitiation or to appease, often in a religious context of turning away divine wrath. In its two New Testament occurrences, it carries the sense of seeking mercy or atonement. In Luke 18:13, the tax collector's prayer, 'God, have mercy on me (ἱλάσθητί μοι),' expresses a plea for personal forgiveness and favor. In Hebrews 2:17, it describes Christ's high priestly role 'to make propitiation (εἰς τὸ ἱλάσκεσθαι) for the sins of the people,' focusing on the objective act of atonement that deals with sin itself.

Biblical Usage

This word is used only twice in the New Testament, but in two distinct and theologically significant contexts. In Luke 18:13, it is used in a personal, devotional prayer for mercy. In Hebrews 2:17, it is used in a doctrinal explanation of Christ's sacrificial work. The usage pattern shows a movement from a human plea for forgiveness to a description of the divine action that accomplishes it.

Etymology

Derived from the adjective ἵλαος (hilaos), meaning 'gracious' or 'propitious.' It is part of a word group related to appeasement and mercy (e.g., ἱλασμός, hilasmos, 'propitiation'). In the Greek Old Testament (Septuagint), it and its cognates are frequently used to translate Hebrew terms for atonement (e.g., כָּפַר, kaphar), especially in the context of the sacrificial system.

Semantic Range

This word is central to the doctrine of atonement. It bridges the concepts of God's mercy and the satisfaction of His justice. In Hebrews 2:17, it grounds Christ's incarnation and death in His role as the ultimate High Priest who offers the definitive sacrifice for sin. Understanding this Greek term enriches reading by clarifying that biblical forgiveness is not merely a sentiment but is accomplished through a costly, propitiatory act that turns away wrath.

In the Greco-Roman world, the concept of 'propitiation' was familiar in pagan religion, involving offerings to appease an angry deity. However, the biblical usage, shaped by the Old Testament sacrificial system, transforms the concept. It is not about placating a capricious god, but about God Himself providing the means (ultimately in Christ) to satisfy His own holy wrath against sin and to restore relationship.

ἐλεέω (eleeō, G1653) — focuses on the feeling and action of pity or compassion. ἀπολύω (apolyō, G630) — emphasizes the release or sending away of a debt or offense. χαρίζομαι (charizomai, G5483) — stresses forgiveness as an act of grace or favor.

Word Details

Scripture References