Berean Strong's Lexicon azazel: Azazel Original Word: עֲזָאזֵל Word Origin: Derived from the Hebrew roots עֵז (ez, meaning "goat") and אָזַל (azal, meaning "to go away" or "to disappear"). Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: There is no direct Greek equivalent for "Azazel" in the Septuagint or the New Testament. However, the concept of atonement and the removal of sin is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ (e.g., Hebrews 9:11-14). Usage: In the Hebrew Bible, "Azazel" refers to a specific entity or concept associated with the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) ritual described in Leviticus 16. It is traditionally understood as the "scapegoat" or the goat that is sent away into the wilderness, symbolically carrying the sins of the people. The term has been interpreted in various ways, including as a place, a demon, or a symbolic representation of sin being removed from the community. Cultural and Historical Background: The concept of Azazel is deeply rooted in the ancient Israelite sacrificial system. On the Day of Atonement, two goats were selected: one for the LORD and the other for Azazel. The high priest would cast lots to determine which goat would be sacrificed and which would be sent into the wilderness. The goat for Azazel, known as the "scapegoat," was a powerful symbol of the removal of sin and guilt from the people, emphasizing God's provision for atonement and forgiveness. This ritual underscored the holiness of God and the need for purification and reconciliation. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition entire removal NASB Translation scapegoat (4). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲזָאזֵל noun [masculine] entire removal (reduplicated intensive (Ges§ 30 n. Sta§ 124 a), abstract, √ [עזל] = Arabic remove, see BährSymb. ii. 668 Winii. 659 ff. Me SchenkelBL. i. 256; > most, proper name of spirit haunting desert, Thes Di DrHastings, DB [a fallen angel, Leviticus 16:8ff. being late, according to CheZAW xv (1895), 153 ff., Ency. Bib., who derives from עזזאֿל; compare BenzEncy. Bib.], as in Jewish angelology, where probably based on interpret. of Leviticus 16:8ff.; name not elsewhere); — ׳ע Leviticus 16:8,10 (twice in verse); Leviticus 16:26 in ritual of Day of Atonement, = entire removal of sin and guilt from sacred places into desert on back of goat, symbol of entire forgiveness. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance scapegoat From ez and 'azal; goat of departure; the scapegoat -- scapegoat. see HEBREW ez see HEBREW 'azal Forms and Transliterations לַֽעֲזָאזֵ֔ל לַעֲזָאזֵ֔ל לַעֲזָאזֵ֖ל לַעֲזָאזֵֽל׃ לעזאזל לעזאזל׃ la‘ăzāzêl la·‘ă·zā·zêl laazaZelLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Leviticus 16:8 HEB: וְגוֹרָ֥ל אֶחָ֖ד לַעֲזָאזֵֽל׃ NAS: and the other lot for the scapegoat. KJV: and the other lot for the scapegoat. INT: lot and the other the scapegoat Leviticus 16:10 Leviticus 16:10 Leviticus 16:26 4 Occurrences |