Summary
The CEI, a congregation of Catholic bishops, recently translated Leviticus 16:8 and 16:10 using the term “Azazel” for “azazel,” which is believed to be a demon associated with the desert. This translation has sparked controversy within the Catholic Church. In Leviticus 16, God instructs Aaron to cast lots on two goats: one for the Lord and another designated for Azazel. The goat marked for Azazel will present itself alive before God as a scapegoat for sin, only to be driven into the wilderness. Filologically, “Azazel” is not a clear name but rather a functional term composed of “az,” meaning capro, and “azal,” meaning to depart or go away. Traditionally in Jewish tradition and in the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible), Azazel was interpreted as the ritual symbol representing the exile or departure from sin. The CEI’s 1974 and 2008 translations of Leviticus have been criticized for presenting “Azazel” as a demon, which goes against traditional interpretations found in both ancient Jewish texts and the Septuagint. This new interpretation has caused debates within Catholic circles regarding whether to adhere strictly to the original text or adopt an extrabiblical tradition that personifies Azazel as a demonic figure.
Key Topics
Leviticus 16, Azazel, Yom Kippur
