Azazel in Hebrew Bible and Tradition Explained
The term "Azazel" in the Hebrew Bible, found exclusively in Leviticus 16:8, 10, 26, refers to a significant element in the Day of Atonement rituals [2, 5]. While the King James Version translates it as "scapegoat," the Revised Version retains "Azazel" [2]. The precise meaning and identity of Azazel have been subjects of varied interpretation across Jewish and Christian traditions.
One prominent interpretation, particularly among some Jewish scholars like Rabbi Saadiah Gaon, understands Azazel as a geographical location. This view suggests it refers to a "mighty and tall mountain," possibly a hard, rocky, and precipitous peak in the wilderness, where the goat was sent [4, 6]. The name itself is sometimes broken down as a combination of "az" (strong) and "el" (tall or mighty), implying a strong or mighty mountain [4]. This aligns with the instruction to send the goat "into the wilderness" and "unto a land which is cut off" [6].
Another interpretation views Azazel as a demon or an evil spirit, or even Satan [2, 5]. However, this perspective is often contrasted with the understanding that the two goats in the Day of Atonement ritual collectively symbolize Christ, upon whom the iniquity of all is laid [2].
A third understanding, favored by some Protestant academic interpretations, suggests "Azazel" means "the goat of going away" or "utter loss," reflecting the goat's role in removing the sins of Israel from the camp [5]. This aligns with the root meaning of the word, which can signify "separation" [2].
The word "Azazel" is distinct from other similar-sounding biblical names. For instance, "Azareel" (meaning "whom the Lord helps") refers to several individuals, including a Korhite who joined David and a Levite musician [3]. "Uzziel" (meaning "strength of God") also refers to multiple figures, such as an uncle of Aaron and a son of Heman [1]. These linguistic distinctions highlight that Azazel's specific meaning is tied to the unique context of the Day of Atonement.
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Uzziel — Strength of God. (1.) One of the sons of Kohath, and uncle of Aaron (Ex. 6:18; Lev. 10:4). (2.) A Simeonite captain (1 Chr. 4:39-43). (3.) A son of Bela, and grandson of Benjamin (1 Chr. 7:7). (4.) One of the sons of Heman (1 Chr. 25:4); called also Azareel (18). (5.) A son of Jeduthan (2 Chr. 29:14). (6.) The son of Harhaiah (Neh. 3:8).”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Azazel — (Lev. 16:8, 10, 26, Revised Version only here; rendered "scape-goat" in the Authorized Version). This word has given rise to many different views. Some Jewish interpreters regard it as the name of a place some 12 miles east of Jerusalem, in the wilderness. Others take it to be the name of an evil spirit, or even of Satan. But when we remember that the two goats together form a type of Christ, on whom the Lord "laid the iniquity of us all," and examine into the root meaning of this word (viz., "separation"), the interpretation of those who regard the one goat”
- Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Azareel, Or Azareel — (whom the Lord helps). + A Korhite who joined David in his retreat at Ziklag. (1 Chronicles 12:6) (B.C. 1060.) + A Levite musician of the family of Heman in the time of David, (1 Chronicles 25:18) called [218]Uzziel in (1 Chronicles 25:4) (B.C. 1050.) + Son of Jeroham, and prince of the tribe of Dan when David numbered the people. (1 Chronicles 27:22) + One of the sons of Bani, who put away his foreign wife on the remonstrance of Ezra. (Ezra 10:41) (B.C. 459.) + Father or ancestor of Maasiai, or Amashai, a priest who dwelt in Jerusalem after the ”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Rationalist)) “Abraham Ibn Ezra on Leviticus 16:8: LOTS. We know what they are from the words of our sages. 31 See Yoma 36a. The Gaon 32 Rabbi Saadiah Gaon. says that Azazel is the name of a mountain. It is so called because of its might. 33 Hard and rocky. See Yoma 63a. Azazel is a combination of az (strong) and el (tall). Azazel thus means mighty and tall mountain (Krinsky). God’s name 34 The divine name El. El means mighty. is mentioned in Azazel as it is in ke-harere el (the mighty mountains) (Ps. 36:7) and in yakti’el (Joktheel) (II Kings 14:7). The Gaon, the Levite, 35 Neither I.E. nor any of the comme”
- Leviticus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Leviticus 16:8: 16:8 The Hebrew term ‘aza’zel (Azazel) is found only in 16:8, 10, 26. This word has generally been interpreted in four different ways: (1) as a word meaning “the goat of going away”; (2) as a demon that lived in the wilderness; (3) as a strengthened form of the Hebrew word for “go, leave,” meaning “utter loss”; and (4) as a rocky cliff over which the goat was pushed. Since this goat represented the removal of the sins of Israel from the camp (16:22), the first interpretation is probably the simplest solution.”
- Sefaria (Jewish (Kabbalistic/Philosophical)) “Ramban (Nachmanides) on Leviticus 16:8: AND THE OTHER LOT FOR AZAZEL. “This was a high mountain — a flinty precipitous peak, as it is said, a land which is cut off .” 50 Further, Verse 22. This is the language of Rashi. And in the Torath Kohanim [the Rabbis have said]: 51 Torath Kohanim, Acharei 2:8. “ For Azazel . This means the ‘hardest’ place in the mountains. I might think that it refers to an inhabited place; Scripture therefore says into the wilderness . 52 Further, Verse 21. Whence do we know that it be a precipitous peak? Scripture therefore says, unto a land which is cut off .” 50 Fur”