Meaning
A scapegoat is a person or thing that is blamed or made to bear the fault or consequences of others.
Biblical Usage
In Scripture, the scapegoat was the goat selected on the Day of Atonement and sent into the wilderness after the high priest had confessed over it the iniquities of the children of Israel.
The account is given in Leviticus 16.
Key References
- Leviticus 16:7-10
- Leviticus 16:20-22
- Leviticus 16:26
Related Terms
- Atonement
- Goat
- High Priest
- Iniquity
- Wilderness
- Sin
- Sacrifice