The Scapegoat
Worship & RitualMeaning: “The goat that “goes away” (Azazel)”
Sin carried away, never to return.
The live goat over which Israel’s sins were confessed before it was sent away into the wilderness.
What It Was
On the Day of Atonement two goats were taken: one was sacrificed, and over the other — the scapegoat — the high priest laid both hands and confessed all the sins of Israel. It was then led away into the wilderness, “unto a land not inhabited,” bearing their iniquities (Leviticus 16:21–22).
Biblical Significance & Symbolism
Together the two goats picture one work of Christ: the slain goat shows atonement made by blood; the scapegoat shows sin carried completely away — “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). Jesus is both the Lamb who was slain and the one who bears our sin away.
Timeline
The scapegoat ritual given for the Day of Atonement
Scripture References
3 versesLeviticus3 verses
Leviticus 16:8
And Aaron shall cast lots upon the two goats; one lot for the LORD, and the other lot for the scapegoat. scapegoat: Heb. Azazel
Leviticus 16:10
But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness.
Leviticus 16:26
And he that let go the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes, and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp.
Topics & Symbolism
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Frequently asked about The Scapegoat
What was The Scapegoat in the Bible?
The live goat over which Israel’s sins were confessed before it was sent away into the wilderness.
What does The Scapegoat symbolize?
Sin carried away, never to return.
What does the name The Scapegoat mean?
The name The Scapegoat means “The goat that “goes away” (Azazel)”.
Where was The Scapegoat kept?
The Scapegoat was kept at The Day of Atonement ritual.
Where is The Scapegoat first mentioned in the Bible?
The Scapegoat is first mentioned in Leviticus 16:8.
How often is The Scapegoat mentioned in the Bible?
The Scapegoat is mentioned in 3 verses across 1 book: Leviticus.
What was the scapegoat?
The live goat on the Day of Atonement over which Israel’s sins were confessed before it was sent into the wilderness, picturing sin carried away (Leviticus 16:21–22).
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