Expiation
Culture & Societyâš¡ IN BRIEF (SUMMARY)
Expiation refers to the ritual removal of sin or ceremonial uncleanness, functioning to neutralize defilement and restore purity rather than primarily to reconcile relationships.
What is the meaning of Expiation in the Bible?
Expiation refers to the ritual removal of sin or ceremonial uncleanness, functioning to neutralize defilement and restore purity rather than primarily to reconcile relationships.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between expiation and atonement clarifies how ancient Israelite sacrifices addressed ritual impurity, providing deeper insight into the biblical emphasis on maintaining communal holiness and resolving ceremonial transgressions.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Expiation in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Expiation clarify?
Source Attribution & Provenance
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE) and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been editorially modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and formatted for fast contextual reference.