ἱλασμός
from the verb ἱλάσκομαι - “to cause to be favorably inclined or disposed, propitiate, conciliate” (BDAG).
both the appeasement necessitated by sin, and the instrument for accomplishing it, viz. the means of atonement, by which sin is covered.
The derivative word ἱλαστήριον (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:5), is formed by appending the suffix -τήριον, which indicates the place where a thing occurs, as well as the means or instrument by which it is accomplished. This is the Greek translation of the Hebrew כַּפֹּרֶת kibbāret - “the mercy seat”, the golden cover on top of the Ark of the Covenant, with the two cherubim of glory overshadowing it. This is the place of the Presence, where atonement is effected and God’s wrath is appeased.
The question of “propitiation” or “expiation” is not an either/or proposition, but as is usually the case with the wonderful works of God, both/and. With the atonement of our sins, we stand in awe and say “how broad, how deep, how high…!” Does ἱλασμός indicate the appeasement of God’s wrath or the covering of sin? Both.
Examples: 1 John 2.2, 1 John 4.10
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