Introduction

Understanding Greek words is vital in Biblical studies, as it offers deeper insights into the original text and context. The Greek word ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai) holds particular significance in New Testament theology and interpretation. This word is commonly translated as “to propitiate” or “to atone,” terms that are central to understanding the concepts of sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God. Additionally, ἱλάσκομαι provides a window into ancient Greek religious and cultural practices, where appeasing deities was a common theme.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: ἱλάσκομαι, transliterated as hilaskomai [hee-LAS-ko-my].
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἱλάσκομαι, meaning “to appease” or “to make propitiation.”
• Part of Speech: Verb, middle voice.
• Grammatical Details: This verb is in the middle voice, indicating the subject is acting in a way that affects itself, often translated as “to propitiate for oneself” or “to atone.”
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To appease or propitiate.
• To atone for or make reconciliation.
• To obtain forgiveness or pardon.

Similar Words: ἱλασμός (hilasmos) [hee-las-MOS], which also relates to the concept of propitiation or atonement, but is more often used as a noun referring to the act or means of atonement itself, rather than the action of atoning. ἱλαστήριον (hilastērion) [hee-las-TAIR-ee-on], another related term, denotes the “mercy seat” or “place of atonement” in the Jewish temple, indicating where atonement takes place.

Further Insights: ἱλάσκομαι is a middle-voice verb. Here is the declension chart for ἱλάσκομαι:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Describes ἱλάσκομαι as “to propitiate, to expiate, or to make atonement,” especially in the context of reconciling a deity and removing divine displeasure. It often emphasizes the action done by the person seeking to appease.

Thayers: Defines ἱλάσκομαι as “to render oneself propitious, to appease or conciliate to oneself.” This definition suggests an active process of making amends or seeking forgiveness.

Vines: Highlights ἱλάσκομαι as being central to the theological concept of propitiation, which involves averting God’s wrath by means of a sacrificial offering.

LSJ: Focuses on the secular use of ἱλάσκομαι in classical Greek, where it means “to appease” or “to conciliate,” often used in religious contexts to describe appeasing the gods through rituals or offerings.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Notes that ἱλάσκομαι (G2433) translates as “to make reconciliation for,” indicating both a personal and divine dimension in its biblical usage.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 2:17: “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation [ἱλάσκεσθαι] for the sins of the people.”
• Luke 18:13: “But the tax collector, standing some distance away, was even unwilling to lift up his eyes to heaven, but was beating his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful [ἱλάσθητί] to me, the sinner!'”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱλάσκομαι (G2433)

The Greek word ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai) carries significant theological weight in New Testament studies, emphasizing the act of propitiation or atonement. This term underscores both the human action of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation, and the divine response of mercy. Its use in Hebrews 2:17 and Luke 18:13 highlights the importance of Jesus’ role as the High Priest who makes propitiation for humanity’s sins. Classical Greek usage also shows its importance in religious practices, where propitiation was sought to appease the gods.

Did You Know?

• The concept of ἱλάσκομαι in the Bible differs significantly from pagan usage. While pagans used it to appease unpredictable gods, the New Testament presents a loving God who provides a means of propitiation through Jesus Christ.
• ἱλάσκομαι is related to the Hebrew term kaphar, used in the Old Testament for “atonement,” especially in the context of the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), where sacrifices were offered to cover the sins of the people.
• In ancient Greek literature, ἱλάσκομαι was often used in poetry and oratory to describe efforts to calm divine anger, reflecting the cultural emphasis on maintaining favor with the gods.

By examining ἱλάσκομαι, we gain a deeper understanding of the New Testament’s theological themes of atonement and reconciliation and their roots in both Jewish and Greco-Roman thought.