CategoryDoctrine / Atonement Term
Modern Equivalentsacrifice that satisfies divine wrath.
KJV Word TypeTheological noun / atonement term
DefinitionThe act of appeasing God’s wrath through sacrifice, particularly Christ’s sacrifice for sin (Romans 3:25; 1 John 2:2).
Key Verses"Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;" (Romans 3:25); "And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:2)
KJV Usage NoteRefers to Christ’s sacrifice as the means by which sin is dealt with before God and divine wrath is satisfied.
Common MisunderstandingIt is not simply forgiveness in general; it specifically concerns Christ’s sacrifice dealing with sin before God.
EtymologyFrom Latin propitiatio ("appeasement").