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Definition of 'expiation'

noun

Compensation for a wrong; "we were unable to get satisfaction from the local store" [syn: atonement, expiation, satisfaction]

noun

The act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially appeasing a deity) [syn: expiation, atonement, propitiation]

From: GCIDE

Expiation \Ex`pi*a"tion\, n. [L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation]
1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty. [1913 Webster]
His liberality seemed to have something in it of self-abasement and expiation. --W. Irving. [1913 Webster]
2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement. [1913 Webster]
Those shadowy expiations weak, The blood of bulls and goats. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
3. An act by which the threats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen. [Obs.] --Hayward. [1913 Webster]

Expiation Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with punishment falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents to stand in our room. It is that by which reconciliation is effected. Sin is thus said to be "covered" by vicarious satisfaction.
The cover or lid of the ark is termed in the LXX. hilasterion, that which covered or shut out the claims and demands of the law against the sins of God's people, whereby he became "propitious" to them.
The idea of vicarious expiation runs through the whole Old Testament system of sacrifices. (See PROPITIATION.)