Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies, as it allows readers to grasp the nuances of the original text and the theological concepts conveyed. The Greek word ἱλασμός (hilasmos) is particularly significant in the New Testament, as it pertains to the idea of “propitiation” or “atonement.” This concept is vital in understanding God’s character, His justice, and His mercy, as well as the work of Christ in reconciling humanity to God. In ancient Greek culture, ἱλασμός also relates to appeasing gods or making amends through sacrifices.

Key Information

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• The Greek Word: ἱλασμός, transliterated as hilasmos [hee-las-MOS].
• Etymology: Derived from the root ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai), meaning “to appease” or “to make propitiation.”
• Part of Speech: Noun, masculine.
• Grammatical Details: Second declension noun.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Propitiation or appeasement.
• Atonement or reconciliation.
• An offering to appease wrath.

Similar Words: ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai) [hee-LAS-ko-my], a verb meaning “to propitiate” or “to make atonement.” It focuses more on the action of appeasing or atoning. ἱλαστήριον (hilastērion) [hee-las-TAIR-ee-on], another related noun, refers specifically to the “mercy seat” or “place of atonement” in the Jewish Temple, where the atoning sacrifice was made.

Further Insights: ἱλασμός is a second-declension noun in the Greek language. Here is the declension chart for ἱλασμός:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek.

Lexicon Insights

BDAG: Defines ἱλασμός as “a means of propitiation or expiation,” focusing on the removal of sin and guilt through a sacrificial offering, emphasizing its theological usage in 1 John.

Thayers: Explains ἱλασμός as “an appeasing, propitiating,” specifically referring to the act of atoning for sin and thus restoring favor with God.

Vines: Highlights ἱλασμός as integral to understanding the doctrine of atonement, emphasizing Christ’s role as the means by which divine justice is satisfied and God’s wrath is averted.

LSJ: Notes that ἱλασμός in classical Greek primarily means “atonement” or “propitiation,” often used in a ritual context for appeasing gods.

Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Defines ἱλασμός (G2434) as “atonement” and “expiation,” highlighting its role in the theological concept of reconciliation with God.

Related Scripture References

• 1 John 2:2: “And He Himself is the propitiation [ἱλασμός] for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”
• 1 John 4:10: “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation [ἱλασμός] for our sins.”

Classical Usage

Summary of ἱλασμός (G2434)

The Greek word ἱλασμός (hilasmos) is central to the theological understanding of atonement and propitiation in the New Testament. It underscores the idea that Christ’s sacrificial death serves as the means by which God’s wrath is satisfied and human beings are reconciled to Him. Used predominantly in 1 John, ἱλασμός illustrates the profound love of God, who provided the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world. Understanding this term enriches our comprehension of salvation, grace, and divine justice in Christian theology.

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek religion, ἱλασμός was a common term used for rituals aimed at appeasing the gods, showing how Christianity repurposed common cultural vocabulary to convey its unique message of atonement.
• ἱλασμός is closely related to the Hebrew word kippur, which also means “atonement” and is prominently featured in the Jewish festival of Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement).
• Unlike pagan contexts where ἱλασμός involved human effort to appease the gods, the New Testament reverses this dynamic by presenting God as the one who provides the means of atonement through Jesus Christ.

By examining ἱλασμός, we gain a clearer picture of the foundational Christian concept of atonement and how it differentiates from other ancient religious practices.