Brief Overview of ἱλαστήριον (Strong’s G2435: hilastērion)

Introduction

Understanding Greek words in Biblical studies provides deeper insights into the theological meanings and cultural contexts behind the Scriptures. The Greek word ἱλαστήριον (hilastērion) is particularly significant in the New Testament because it relates to the concept of “propitiation” or “mercy seat.” This term is pivotal in understanding the atonement of sins and the means by which reconciliation between God and humanity is achieved through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Additionally, in ancient Greek culture, ἱλαστήριον is associated with rituals of appeasement and sacrifice, further illustrating the depth of its meaning in Biblical texts.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱλαστήριον, transliterated as hilastērion [hee-las-TAY-ree-on].
• Etymology: Derived from the root word ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai), meaning “to propitiate” or “to appease.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, neuter.
• Grammatical Details: Second declension noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• A propitiatory sacrifice or offering.
• The “mercy seat” of the Ark of the Covenant where the blood of atonement was sprinkled.
• An expiatory place or means, particularly in the context of the atonement sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Similar Words: ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai) [hee-LAS-ko-my], a verb meaning “to make propitiation” or “to appease.” It focuses on the action of achieving reconciliation. ἱλασμός (hilasmos) [hee-las-MOS], a related noun, refers specifically to the act or process of propitiation or atonement. While ἱλαστήριον refers more to the object or place where this act occurs, ἱλασμός centers on the action itself.

Further Insights: ἱλαστήριον is a neuter noun of the second declension. Here is the declension chart for ἱλαστήριον:

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Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἱλαστήριον as “a means of expiation, place of propitiation,” specifically pointing to the mercy seat in the Holy of Holies where the high priest sprinkled the blood of atonement. It also highlights its use in Romans 3:25 to describe Christ as the means of propitiation.

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Thayers: Notes that ἱλαστήριον refers to “an expiatory place or thing,” often identified as the mercy seat in the Old Testament, and also applies this to Christ, who is presented as the ultimate sacrifice and the meeting place between God and man.

Vines: Focuses on ἱλαστήριον as denoting “that which propitiates,” identifying its use in Romans 3:25 as referring to Christ Himself and in Hebrews 9:5 as describing the lid of the Ark of the Covenant, where God met with His people.

LSJ: In classical Greek, ἱλαστήριον is often associated with a “propitiatory offering” or a “means of appeasement,” generally used in religious contexts involving sacrifice to appease deities.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists ἱλαστήριον (G2435) as “an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple),” highlighting its dual application in both the sacrificial context and the physical mercy seat of the Ark.

Related Scripture References

• Romans 3:25: “Whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation [ἱλαστήριον] in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed.”
• Hebrews 9:5: “And above it were the cherubim of glory overshadowing the mercy seat [ἱλαστήριον]; but of these things we cannot now speak in detail.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱλαστήριον (G2435)

The Greek word ἱλαστήριον (hilastērion) holds significant theological weight in understanding the atonement, as it pertains to both the “mercy seat” in the Old Testament and the sacrificial work of Christ in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the mercy seat was the place where the high priest would sprinkle blood for the atonement of Israel’s sins, symbolizing reconciliation between God and humanity. In the New Testament, Paul and the writer of Hebrews use ἱλαστήριον to describe Jesus Christ Himself as the ultimate propitiation, emphasizing that His sacrifice fulfills the role of the mercy seat and brings complete atonement and reconciliation for all who believe.

Did You Know?

• ἱλαστήριον was translated into Latin as propitiatorium, which carries the same dual meaning of the mercy seat and the act of propitiation.
• The concept of ἱλαστήριον also connects deeply with the Jewish Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where the high priest entered the Holy of Holies to sprinkle blood on the mercy seat.
• Early Christian art often depicted the mercy seat as a symbol of God’s throne of grace, reinforcing the theological significance of Christ as the true ἱλαστήριον.

By examining ἱλαστήριον, we gain a profound understanding of the theological continuity between the Old and New Testaments, showcasing the culmination of God’s redemptive plan through the work of Jesus Christ.