Lexical Summary kippur: Atonement Original Word: כִּפֻּר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance expiation From kaphar; expiation (only in plural): see HEBREW kaphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as kopher Definition atonement NASB Translation atonement (8). Brown-Driver-Briggs כִּמֻּרִים noun plural abstract atonement, only in P: ׳הַטַּאת הַכּ sin-offering of the atonement Exodus 30:10; Numbers 29:11; ׳יוֺם (ה)כ day of (the) atonement Leviticus 23:27,28; Leviticus 25:9; ׳אֵיל הַכּ Numbers 5:8; ׳עַלהַֿכּ Exodus 29:36; ׳כֶּסֶף הכ Exodus 30:16 money of atonement. Topical Lexicon Essence of the Term Kippur denotes the decisive act by which guilt is covered, removed, or purged so that the covenant relationship between the LORD and His people is preserved in holiness. Every occurrence is tethered to sacrificial blood, priestly mediation, and divine forgiveness. Canonical Distribution Exodus 30:10 anchors the term in the yearly rite upon the golden altar. Leviticus concentrates kippur within the seventh-month festivals—twice in the Day of Atonement legislation (Leviticus 23:27, 28) and once in the Jubilee trumpet text (Leviticus 25:9). Numbers extends the reach of kippur to personal restitution (Numbers 5:8) and to the additional offerings of the seventh month (Numbers 29:11). Cultic Center—Day of Atonement Leviticus 23 portrays the Day of Atonement as a “sabbath of complete rest” when Israel must “humble” itself (Leviticus 23:27). Here kippur is the climactic purpose of the entire day: the high priest enters the Most Holy Place with blood, cleansing sanctuary and nation alike. The repeated pairing of kippur with self-affliction ties inner repentance to the external rite, showing that forgiveness is both objective (secured by blood) and experiential (embraced through contrition). Sanctuary Maintenance—Exodus 30:10 “Once a year Aaron shall make atonement on its horns… with the blood of the sin offering of atonement”. The yearly application of sacrificial blood on the altar’s horns prevents the accumulation of defilement in God’s dwelling. Kippur therefore safeguards continued access to the divine presence and foreshadows the once-for-all cleansing secured by Christ, who did not need to offer yearly (Hebrews 9:25–26). Social Justice Dimension—Numbers 5:8 Restitution offerings for theft or fraud culminate in a “ram of atonement.” The offender’s guilt is addressed both horizontally (repayment) and vertically (sacrifice). Kippur thus enforces the indivisible bond between ethics and worship: reconciliation with neighbor and reconciliation with God stand or fall together. Festival Overflow—Leviticus 25:9; Numbers 29:11 At the sounding of the Jubilee trumpet on the Day of Atonement, kippur launches an era of liberty, land restoration, and debt cancellation. Likewise, Numbers 29:11 supplements the feast of Booths with a “sin offering of atonement,” integrating kippur into Israel’s annual rhythm of joy. These texts show that true freedom and celebration rest on prior atonement. Theological Trajectory to the New Covenant The Septuagint translates kippur with hilasmos and derivatives, vocabulary later applied to Jesus Christ (for example, 1 John 2:2). The shadow becomes substance: the blood of goats and bulls anticipated the “better sacrifice” (Hebrews 9:23). As High Priest and offering in one, Christ entered “once for all into the Holy Place, securing eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). Therefore every Old Testament kippur points forward to the cross, where divine justice and mercy kiss. Pastoral and Missional Implications 1. Proclaim complete forgiveness. The annual repetition in Torah underscores the finality of Calvary; believers stand perpetually cleansed. In every context, kippur heralds God’s gracious provision to cover sin, restore relationship, and unleash joyful service. Forms and Transliterations הַכִּפֻּרִ֔ים הַכִּפֻּרִ֗ים הַכִּפֻּרִ֣ים הַכִּפֻּרִים֙ הכפרים כִּפֻּרִים֙ כפרים hak·kip·pu·rîm hakkippuRim hakkippurîm kip·pu·rîm kippuRim kippurîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Exodus 30:10 HEB: מִדַּ֞ם חַטַּ֣את הַכִּפֻּרִ֗ים אַחַ֤ת בַּשָּׁנָה֙ NAS: of the sin offering of atonement once KJV: of the sin offering of atonements: once INT: the blood of the sin of atonement once A year Leviticus 23:27 Leviticus 23:28 Leviticus 25:9 Numbers 5:8 Numbers 29:11 6 Occurrences |
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