According to Leviticus, what was sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement?

According to Leviticus, the scapegoat was sent into the wilderness on the Day of Atonement. The ritual involved two goats chosen for the community: one was sacrificed, while the other was presented alive before the Lord.

Aaron, the high priest, placed his hands on the living goat and confessed over it the iniquities of the Israelites. The goat symbolically carried those sins away from the community and was then led into the wilderness by a designated man.

The ceremony formed part of Yom Kippur, the annual Day of Atonement described in Leviticus 16. The Hebrew term associated with the goat has been interpreted in different ways, but the English word “scapegoat” became a lasting expression for someone made to bear blame.

This ritual should not be confused with the goat that was sacrificed. The two goats had different roles: one was offered in the sanctuary, while the other was released after the symbolic confession.