Books
Too Good To Be True? Endless Hope or Hopeless End Evidence Unseen
Theology
God Christ The Holy Spirit Scripture Salvation Satanology Ecclesiology Eschatology Historical Theology Practical Theology & Ethics Christian Counseling Christian Leadership
Apologetics
What is Truth? The Goodness of God Science and Scripture Predictive Prophecy Apologetics Resources Book Reviews
Bible Difficulties Courses Audio
Sign In Search

What does “Azazel” mean?

Claim:

Critics argue that the term “Azazel” refers to a demon –not a goat. This Hebrew term is used only here in the entire Bible. However, it is used of a demon in the apocryphal book of Enoch (200 BC). Does this passage describe the sacrificing of offerings to demons like Azazel?

Response:

Sacrificing to demons was expressly condemned by God in the same exact context (Lev. 17:7). While the book of Enoch used this expression to refer to a demon, the author of Leviticus did not have this in mind. Harris writes, “Enoch is dependent on Leviticus 16 rather than vice versa and is no guide to the interpretation of Leviticus.” Instead, the term ‘ez in Hebrew meant “goat” and ‘azel meant “to go away.” This “scapegoat” was the offering upon which God symbolically expiated sin from the nation of Israel.


  1. ^

    Harris, R. L. Leviticus. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1990. 590.

  2. ^

    Harris, R. L. Leviticus. The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 2: Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers (F. E. Gaebelein, Ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1990. 590.

About The Author
James Rochford

James earned a Master’s degree in Theological Studies from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, graduating magna cum laude. He is the founder of Evidence Unseen and the author of several books. James enjoys serving as a pastor at Dwell Community Church in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his wife and their two sons.