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ἱλασμός

hilasmós

G2434 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ἱλασκ- to appease, to propitiate, to reconcile

Definition

A means or instrument of appeasement, specifically an offering, action, or means that effects reconciliation, typically in the sense of averting divine anger or restoring favor. In religious contexts, refers to the act or means through which hostility or offense is removed, and harmonious relations are restored between deity and human.

Semantic Range

means of appeasement, expiatory sacrifice, instrument of reconciliation, offering that effects atonement, removal of offense or guilt

Root / Etymology

From Greek root ἱλασκ- ('to appease, to propitiate'), specifically from the verb ἱλάσκομαι ('to appease, to make propitious'). Cognate with related terms such as ἱλαστήριον ('place or means of atonement') and ἱλασμός is a nominal formation denoting the result or means of propitiation.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In classical Greek, ἱλασμός primarily referred to the act of appeasing or propitiating a deity, often through sacrifices or offerings. By the time of the Septuagint, it was used to translate Hebrew terms related to atonement, particularly כַּפָּרָה (kappārah), indicating both the means and result of reconciliation. In Hellenistic and Second Temple literature, the term's meaning is primarily cultic and ritual, with a focus on removal of offense—distinct from abstract ideas of forgiveness or mercy. In the New Testament, ἱλασμός occurs only in 1 John 2:2 and 4:10, both times with reference to the role of Jesus as effecting reconciliation between humanity and God. The English term 'propitiation' often reflects later theological concerns; 'means of appeasement,' 'atoning sacrifice,' or 'means of reconciliation' more accurately capture the Semitic and Hellenistic context. ἱλασμός differs from ἱλαστήριον, which may refer to a place (such as the 'mercy seat'), while ἱλασμός focuses on the action or means. Standard translations often use 'propitiation' or 'atonement,' but the Greek use is more concrete, rooted in ritual and relationship restoration.

Root Family

ἱλασμός (hilasmos) — appeasement, propitiation, reconciliation

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
G2434-02 ἱλασμός ilasmos N NOM M SG propitiation means of appeasement 1
G2434-01 ἱλασμὸν ilasmon N ACC M SG propitiation appeasing offering 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
G2434-02 1 John 2:2 ἱλασμός ilasmos N NOM M SG propitiation means of appeasement
G2434-01 1 John 4:10 ἱλασμὸν ilasmon N ACC M SG propitiation appeasing offering
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