Bible Dictionary
Expiation
Expiation is the removal or covering of guilt through punishment borne by a substitute. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament expressed this idea, pointing to reconciliation with God through substitutionary atonement.
Definition
Expiation is the removal or covering of guilt through punishment borne by a substitute. It is closely related to atonement and refers especially to the satisfaction by which reconciliation is effected and sin is covered.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament sacrificial system expresses the idea of vicarious expiation. The cover or lid of the ark is called by a term meaning that which covers, and the sacrificial system presents guilt as dealt with through substitution.
Historical Background
In English Bible usage, expiation is somewhat narrower than atonement and often concerns a specific uncleanness or sin. The supplied material connects it with sacrifice and propitiation.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with punishment falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents to stand in our room. It is that by which reconciliation is effected. Sin is thus said to be “covered” by vicarious satisfaction. The cover or lid of the ark is termed in the LXX. hilasterion, that which covered or shut out the claims and demands of the law against the sins of God’s people, whereby he became “propitious” to them. The idea of vicarious expiation runs through the whole Old Testament system of sacrifices. (See PROPITIATION.)
Smith's Bible Dictionary
[Sacrifice]
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>eks-pi-a'-shun:</p><p>This word represents no Hebrew or Greek word not rendered also by "atonement." In Nu 8:7 it is employed in the Revised Version (British and American) to translate chaTath and in De 32:43, kipper. This version also employs "expiate" in the margin of several passages, eg. Ps 65:3; 79:9. Always its use in English Versions of the Bible is somewhat more narrow and specific than "atonement" and has especial reference to specific uncleanness or sin.</p><p>It will be sufficient to refer to ATONEMENT; SACRIFICE; PROPITIATION.</p>