The Hebrew word naming the lot assigned to the scapegoat in Leviticus 16 is Azazel.
During the Yom Kippur ritual, Aaron cast lots over two male goats: one lot was “for the LORD,” while the other was “for Azazel.” The goat assigned to Azazel symbolically carried Israel’s sins into the wilderness after the high priest confessed them over the animal.
Azazel is a famously debated term. Some English translations render it “scapegoat” or “goat of departure,” while many modern translations retain Azazel as a proper name. Interpretations have included a remote place, a supernatural being, or the concept of complete removal. The Hebrew Bible uses the term only in this passage.
A common mix-up is treating Azazel as the goat’s personal name. More precisely, Azazel identifies the destination, power, or ritual role associated with the second lot; “scapegoat” describes the animal’s function. Later Jewish and Christian writings developed additional ideas about Azazel, including identifying him as a demon or fallen angel.