ἱλάσκομαι (hilaskomai)
hilaskomai
to propitiate
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hilaskomai describes a divine turning toward mercy, moving from wrath to grace. In classical usage it often meant appeasing an angry person, but in the New Testament it shifts focus to God’s gracious initiative. It appears only twice, both times highlighting this compassionate stance: in Luke 18:13, where the tax collector begs for God to be "propitious" or merciful toward him, and in Hebrews 2:17, where Jesus is described as making propitiation to remove sin’s barrier.
This word carries significant theological weight by linking forgiveness with atonement. It suggests that God’s mercy is not merely an emotional response but a decisive act that addresses the reality of guilt. The sources note its connection to expiation, implying that true reconciliation requires dealing with the offense itself. Translators often render it as "make atonement" or "show mercy," capturing the idea that divine favor is secured through a concrete action that satisfies justice.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we stand before God, our natural instinct is often to list our achievements or defend our actions. The word hilaskomai reminds us that true standing with Him comes from a different place entirely. It describes a turning of divine wrath into mercy, not because we have earned it, but because God initiates grace. In Luke 18:13, the tax collector does not offer a long prayer or a list of good deeds. He simply asks for mercy, acknowledging his need for God to turn toward him in compassion.
This word carries deep weight for your faith life today. It assures us that reconciliation is not just a feeling but a decisive act that deals with the reality of guilt. Jesus serves as the merciful High Priest who makes atonement for sin, removing the barrier between us and God. You can rest in this truth: your access to God is secured by His gracious initiative, not your perfect performance.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to make propitiation for1×
- do be merciful1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἱλάσκεσθαι1×
- ἱλάσθητί1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 18:13
But the tax collector, standing far away, wouldn’t even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his chest, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’
This verse captures the human posture of humility required to receive mercy, showing that the tax collector's simple plea is met with God's propitious response.
-
Hebrews 2:17
Therefore he was obligated in all things to be made like his brothers, that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.
Here the word highlights Christ's role as High Priest who actively makes atonement, ensuring that God's justice and mercy meet in His sacrificial work.