The Difference Between hilastērion and kâphar
Both hilastērion (Greek: ἱλαστήριον, G2435) and kâphar (Hebrew: כָּפַר, H3722) address overlapping biblical themes — hilastērion carrying the sense of "mercyseat" and kâphar conveying "appease". Each word is shaped by its own covenant and cultural context, yet together they illuminate how the Old and New Testaments speak with one voice on this theme.
Change Words
ἱλαστήριον vs כָּפַר
hilastērion and kâphar
ἱλαστήριον
an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple)
G2435
Exegetical Meaning
an expiatory (place or thing), i.e. (concretely) an atoning victim, or (specially) the lid of the Ark (in the Temple) | Etymology: neuter of a derivative of G2433 (ἱλάσκομαι); | KJV: mercyseat, propitiation
Origin
Root form
English Glosses
Canon Usage
Context Themes
- Christ as the Mercy Seat
- Propitiation through His Blood
כָּפַר
to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel
H3722
Exegetical Meaning
to cover (specifically with bitumen); figuratively, to expiate or condone, to placate or cancel | Etymology: a primitive root; | KJV: appease, make (an atonement, cleanse, disannul, forgive, be merciful, pacify, pardon, purge (away), put off, (make) reconcile(-liation).
Origin
Root form
English Glosses
Canon Usage
Context Themes
- The Day of Atonement
- God Who Forgives