Expiation
Culture & SocietyWhat 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
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Expiation. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Expiation in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Expiation clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Expiation." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/expiation/