כִּפֻּר

expiation (only in plural)

Definition

The noun כִּפֻּר (kippur) specifically denotes 'expiation' or 'atonement,' and in the Hebrew Bible, it appears only in the plural form (כִּפֻּרִים, kippurim). It refers to the act or means by which sin is covered over, removed, or reconciled, resulting in purification and the restoration of a right relationship with God. This concept is central to the ritual of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), as seen in Leviticus 23:27-28 and Leviticus 25:9, where it involves solemn rites to cleanse the people and the sanctuary. In other contexts, such as Exodus 30:10, 16 and Numbers 5:8, it relates to monetary payments or offerings that serve as a ransom or atonement for one's life or sin.

Biblical Usage

כִּפֻּר is used exclusively in priestly and legal texts of the Pentateuch, particularly in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers. Its usage is tightly linked to Israel's sacrificial system and cultic rituals. All seven occurrences are in the plural and refer to formal acts of atonement: for the altar on the Day of Atonement (Exodus 30:10), as a ransom money for atonement (Exodus 30:16), in the statutes for the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 23:27-28), to announce the Jubilee year with a trumpet blast on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 25:9), for a restitution offering when there is no kinsman-redeemer (Numbers 5:8), and for the sin offering on the Day of Atonement (Numbers 29:11).

Etymology

The noun כִּפֻּר derives from the root כָּפַר (kāphar, H3722), which means 'to cover over, pacify, make atonement.' This root is foundational for understanding atonement in the Old Testament, conveying the idea of covering sin to remove guilt or appease wrath. Cognates in related Semitic languages also carry meanings of covering or wiping away. The development from the verbal action to the nominal form (kippur) emphasizes the concrete act or means of atonement itself.

Semantic Range

כִּפֻּר is theologically profound as it underpins the biblical doctrine of atonement, highlighting God's provision for dealing with sin through substitutionary sacrifice. It points to the seriousness of sin requiring a covering and foreshadows the ultimate atonement accomplished by Jesus Christ in the New Testament. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches Bible reading by clarifying that atonement in the Old Testament was not merely ritualistic but involved a costly payment for sin, emphasizing grace, forgiveness, and the need for a mediator.

In its original Israelite context, כִּפֻּר was deeply embedded in the sacrificial system administered by the priesthood. It reflected a worldview where sin had tangible consequences that disrupted the community and the divine-human relationship, requiring formal, God-ordained remedies. The rituals, especially on the Day of Atonement, involved the high priest entering the Most Holy Place, symbolizing the cleansing of the people and the sanctuary from impurity. This differs from modern individualistic notions of forgiveness, as it was a corporate, liturgical act central to maintaining covenant holiness.

כָּפַר (kāphar, H3722) — the verbal root meaning 'to atone, cover, make propitiation,' focusing on the action. כֹּפֶר (köpher, H3724) — a related noun often meaning 'ransom price' or 'bribe,' emphasizing the payment aspect. חַטָּאת (chattā'th, H2403) — 'sin offering,' a specific sacrifice for atonement. תְּשׁוּבָה (teshuvah, H8666) — 'repentance, return,' highlighting the human response in turning from sin.

Word Details

Scripture References