noun

propitiation

pruh-pish-ee-AY-shuhn

Propitiation (noun) means In Christian theology, the turning away of divine wrath through a sacrifice, so that God's anger at sin is satisfied and the sinner can be accepted. Example: “The letter describes Christ as the propitiation for our sins.”

noun

In Christian theology, the turning away of divine wrath through a sacrifice, so that God's anger at sin is satisfied and the sinner can be accepted.

"The letter describes Christ as the propitiation for our sins."

"Translators differ over whether the Greek word means propitiation or expiation."

The act of appeasing someone who is angry, or an offering made to do so.

"The gift was offered as a propitiation to a furious client."

"Ancient rites of propitiation were meant to calm the gods."

How to use propitiation

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishDoing something to turn away someone's anger, especially God's.

When to use it

Formal and mostly religious or literary; rare in everyday speech.

Memory tip

Do not confuse it with precipitation, which is rainfall or a chemical process.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

propitiation vs expiation propitiation vs atonement propitiation vs precipitation

Common pairings

propitiation for our sins act of propitiation propitiation and expiation

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The letter describes Christ as the _____ for our sins.

Etymology

From Latin propitiatio, from propitiare "to appease, make favourable", from propitius "favourable".

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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atonement appeasement satisfaction placation conciliation pacification

Antonyms

provocation antagonism

Related words

peace opposition pleasure happiness pride compensation satisfaction aggression

Rhymes for propitiation

region billion ablation allusion emulsion ideation novation abortion abrasion diffusion elocution extension

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between propitiation and expiation?

Propitiation is directed at a person: it turns away God's wrath. Expiation is directed at the offence: it removes or covers the sin itself. Bible translations split on which idea the Greek hilasmos carries, which is why the two words appear in different versions of the same verse.

What is the difference between propitiation and atonement?

Atonement is the broad term for restoring a broken relationship between God and humanity. Propitiation names one particular aspect of it, the satisfying of divine wrath, so propitiation sits inside atonement rather than replacing it.

What is the meaning of propitiation?

"propitiation" (noun) means in Christian theology, the turning away of divine wrath through a sacrifice, so that God's anger at sin is satisfied and the sinner can be accepted.

What is another word for propitiation?

Other words for "propitiation" include atonement, appeasement, satisfaction, placation, conciliation, pacification.

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