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Propitiation

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Propitiation in the Bible?

Propitiation refers to the act of appeasing divine wrath or securing favor, typically through sacrificial offerings. In the Old Testament, this concept is central to the rituals of the Day of Atonement, while in the New Testament, it describes Jesus Christ’s sacrifice as the means by which divine justice is satisfied.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the concept of propitiation helps readers understand how biblical texts address the problem of divine wrath and the mechanism of atonement, providing necessary context for interpreting key passages on redemption and the work of Christ.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Propitiation. 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 Propitiation in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Propitiation 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

"Propitiation." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/propitiation/
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