Difference between revisions of "Scapegoat"

Latest revision as of 17:10, 9 October 2026

A scapegoat is a person or group made the target of blame for other people's actions or for problems with more complicated causes. The modern expression draws on the goat sent away carrying the community's sins in Leviticus 16. The ritual and the modern social use should be distinguished.^[1]

Origins and Biblical Example

An illustration of the scapegoat ritual.

Leviticus describes two goats selected by lot. One is offered as a purification offering; the other remains alive. Aaron places both hands on the live goat's head and confesses the people's wrongs over it. An attendant then takes it into the wilderness, where it carries those wrongs away from the community. The relevant passages are Leviticus 16:7–10 and 20–22.^[2]

Azazel and translation

An imaginative depiction of Azazel as a demon; this represents one interpretation of the name.

Translations differ in their handling of Azazel. The NABRE prints the name and its note interprets it as a demon. Older English translations use scapegoat. These translation choices should not be collapsed into the claim that the biblical chapter gives a detailed biography of a demon.^[2]

Tyndale's sixteenth-century biblical translation uses the word scapegoat for the goat sent into the wilderness.^[3] Later narratives about fallen angels belong to a different textual setting from Leviticus; they should be identified by work and passage when compared with the ritual.

Modern Usage

The APA defines scapegoating in terms of directing blame and aggression towards others as the supposed source of one's difficulties. It describes a process of attribution, not a diagnosis of a person.^[1]

For example, an invented workplace scenario might have a team blame its newest member for a failed project while disregarding decisions made before that person arrived. The reading depends on the evidence about responsibility and the group's response.

Scapegoating in families

Illustrative family scene. An image or metaphor alone cannot establish a diagnosis.

In family discussion, scapegoat can describe one member being repeatedly blamed for wider conflicts. The phrase narcissistic family scapegoat also occurs in popular discussion, but the label by itself does not establish a personality disorder, explain the motives of every family member, or predict a particular outcome.

Describe the reported behaviour precisely: who makes the accusation, what it concerns, what evidence supports it, and whose contribution is omitted. A person's own account of being blamed can be taken seriously without inventing a fixed personality profile for either the blamed person or the accuser.

Reading the metaphor

The biblical scene involves placing a burden on a living carrier and sending it beyond the community. In modern usage, the relevant action may instead be public accusation, exclusion, punishment or shifting responsibility. Ask which part of that scene the actual wording brings into focus.

Related pages

Burdens : carrying and assigned responsibility
Archetypes
The Golden Bough
Metaphor, Context and Speaker Meaning

Sources

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 American Psychological Association, Dictionary of Psychology, “scapegoating”. Accessed 9 October 2026.
↑ ^2.0 ^2.1 Leviticus 16, New American Bible Revised Edition, USCCB. Accessed 9 October 2026.
↑ William Tyndale, Pentateuch, Leviticus 16, Project Gutenberg transcription. Accessed 9 October 2026.

Browse the library

Concepts and language

Subject index | Stories and literature | All articles A-Z

[apa-1] 1.0 ^1.1 American Psychological Association, Dictionary of Psychology, “scapegoating”. Accessed 9 October 2026.

[leviticus-2] 2.0 ^2.1 Leviticus 16, New American Bible Revised Edition, USCCB. Accessed 9 October 2026.

[tyndale-3] William Tyndale, Pentateuch, Leviticus 16, Project Gutenberg transcription. Accessed 9 October 2026.

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[2]

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-== Scapegoat ==
+A '''scapegoat''' is a person or group made the target of blame for other people's actions or for problems with more complicated causes. The modern expression draws on the goat sent away carrying the community's sins in Leviticus 16. The ritual and the modern social use should be distinguished.<ref name="apa">[https://dictionary.apa.org/scapegoating American Psychological Association, Dictionary of Psychology, “scapegoating”]. Accessed 9 October 2026.</ref>
-=== Etymology ===
+== Origins and Biblical Example ==
+[[File:Andrewt.austin jewish ritual of the scapegoat in the desert.png|thumb|300px|right|An illustration of the scapegoat ritual.]]
+Leviticus describes two goats selected by lot. One is offered as a purification offering; the other remains alive. Aaron places both hands on the live goat's head and confesses the people's wrongs over it. An attendant then takes it into the wilderness, where it carries those wrongs away from the community. The relevant passages are Leviticus 16:7–10 and 20–22.<ref name="leviticus">[https://bible.usccb.org/bible/leviticus/16 Leviticus 16, New American Bible Revised Edition, USCCB]. Accessed 9 October 2026.</ref>
-[[File:Andrewt.austin the demon azazel in the desert 3078f0bd-d661-4aeb-9885-c5414bfa424c.png|200px|thumb|right]]
+== Azazel and translation ==
-The term "scapegoat" originates from the Hebrew word "עֲזָאזֵל" (Azazel) mentioned in the Bible. The word was first translated into English in the early 16th century by William Tyndale, who was one of the first to translate the Bible into English. Tyndale rendered the Hebrew term "עֲזָאזֵל" as "escape goat," which over time became "scapegoat." This translation was included in Tyndale's English version of the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Leviticus.
+[[File:Andrewt.austin the demon azazel in the desert 3078f0bd-d661-4aeb-9885-c5414bfa424c.png|thumb|220px|right|An imaginative depiction of Azazel as a demon; this represents one interpretation of the name.]]
+Translations differ in their handling of ''Azazel''. The NABRE prints the name and its note interprets it as a demon. Older English translations use ''scapegoat''. These translation choices should not be collapsed into the claim that the biblical chapter gives a detailed biography of a demon.<ref name="leviticus" />
-The term "scapegoat" has since evolved in English to refer to an individual or group unfairly blamed for problems, not of their making.
+Tyndale's sixteenth-century biblical translation uses the word ''scapegoat'' for the goat sent into the wilderness.<ref name="tyndale">[https://www.gutenberg.org/files/10553/10553-h/10553-h.htm William Tyndale, Pentateuch, Leviticus 16, Project Gutenberg transcription]. Accessed 9 October 2026.</ref> Later narratives about fallen angels belong to a different textual setting from Leviticus; they should be identified by work and passage when compared with the ritual.
-<div style="width: 80%; border: 1px solid #ccc; padding: 10px; background-color: #f9f9f9; margin: 0 auto;">
+== Modern Usage ==
-'''Azazel''' is a demon mentioned in various ancient texts, including the Hebrew Bible, the Book of Enoch, and other Jewish mystical writings. Azazel's nature and significance vary across these sources, but some common themes emerge.
+The APA defines scapegoating in terms of directing blame and aggression towards others as the supposed source of one's difficulties. It describes a process of attribution, not a diagnosis of a person.<ref name="apa" />
-'''Nature and Role'''
+For example, an invented workplace scenario might have a team blame its newest member for a failed project while disregarding decisions made before that person arrived. The reading depends on the evidence about responsibility and the group's response.
-In the Hebrew Bible, specifically in Leviticus 16:8-10, Azazel is associated with the scapegoat ritual of Yom Kippur. One goat is sacrificed to the Lord, while the other, bearing the sins of the people, is sent into the wilderness "to Azazel." The exact meaning of Azazel in this context is debated among scholars. Some interpret Azazel as a wilderness demon, while others view it as a rocky, desolate place.
-In the Book of Enoch, Azazel is one of the leaders of the rebellious Watchers, fallen angels who descended to Earth and corrupted humanity. Azazel is said to have taught humans the art of warfare, weapon-making, and other forbidden knowledge. Because of these transgressions, Azazel is bound and cast into a desert abyss to await judgment.
+== Scapegoating in families ==
+[[File:Andrewt.austin the narcissistic family scapegoat.png|thumb|300px|left|Illustrative family scene. An image or metaphor alone cannot establish a diagnosis.]]
+In family discussion, ''scapegoat'' can describe one member being repeatedly blamed for wider conflicts. The phrase ''narcissistic family scapegoat'' also occurs in popular discussion, but the label by itself does not establish a personality disorder, explain the motives of every family member, or predict a particular outcome.
-'''Significance'''
+Describe the reported behaviour precisely: who makes the accusation, what it concerns, what evidence supports it, and whose contribution is omitted. A person's own account of being blamed can be taken seriously without inventing a fixed personality profile for either the blamed person or the accuser.
-Azazel's significance lies in its role as a symbol of atonement and sin. In the scapegoat ritual, Azazel represents the removal of sin from the community, emphasizing purification and renewal. In the broader Jewish mystical tradition, Azazel exemplifies the dangers of forbidden knowledge and the consequences of straying from divine commandments.
-Azazel's story has influenced various religious and cultural traditions, highlighting themes of sin, redemption, and the human struggle with moral and ethical boundaries.
+== Reading the metaphor ==
-</div>
+The biblical scene involves placing a burden on a living carrier and sending it beyond the community. In modern usage, the relevant action may instead be public accusation, exclusion, punishment or shifting responsibility. Ask which part of that scene the actual wording brings into focus.
-----
-=== Origins and Biblical Example ===
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Burdens]] : carrying and assigned responsibility
+* [[Archetypes]]
+* [[The Golden Bough]]
+* [[Metaphor, Context and Speaker Meaning]]
-==== Biblical Context ====
+== Sources ==
+<references />
-[[File:Andrewt.austin jewish ritual of the scapegoat in the desert.png|400px|thumb|right]]
+== Browse the library ==
-The scapegoat concept is rooted in ancient Jewish religious rituals described in the Bible, specifically in the book of Leviticus, chapter 16, which details the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) rituals. According to the scripture, the high priest would perform a series of rituals to atone for the sins of the people of Israel.
+[[:Category:Concepts and language|Concepts and language]]
-==== The Ritual ====
+[[Subject index]] | [[Stories and literature]] | [[Special:AllPages|All articles A-Z]]
-On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would take two male goats. One goat was designated by lot as the "Lord's goat" and was sacrificed as a sin offering. The other goat, chosen by lot to be the "scapegoat," was presented alive before the Lord to make atonement upon it and then sent away into the wilderness to "Azazel."
+[[Category:Concepts and language]]
-Leviticus 16:10 states: "''But the goat on which the lot fell for Azazel shall be presented alive before the Lord to make atonement over it, that it may be sent away into the wilderness to Azazel''."
-The high priest would lay his hands on the head of the scapegoat and confess over it all the iniquities and transgressions of the Israelites. By symbolically transferring the sins of the people onto the goat, it was then sent away into the wilderness, signifying the removal of sins from the community. The goat would carry the sins to a remote area, symbolically removing them from the presence of God and His people.
-==== Symbolism ====
-The scapegoat ritual symbolized purification and community renewal. Sending the scapegoat into the wilderness was seen as a physical manifestation of the people's removal of sins and restoration of their relationship with God.
-=== Modern Usage ===
-In contemporary language, the term "scapegoat" is used metaphorically to describe a person or group that is unfairly blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others. This usage highlights the social and psychological dynamics where blame is displaced onto a convenient target, allowing the actual perpetrators to avoid responsibility.
-The concept has been studied in various fields, such as psychology, sociology, and politics, where scapegoating is recognized as a mechanism for deflecting blame and maintaining group cohesion by identifying and punishing a perceived outgroup.
-<be>
-----
-=== Scapegoats in Narcissistic Family Systems ===
-[[File:Andrewt.austin the narcissistic family scapegoat.png|400px|thumb|left]]
-In a narcissistic family system, the role of the scapegoat is crucial for maintaining the dysfunctional family dynamics. The narcissistic parent or parents often need to preserve their self-image and control over the family. To do this, they may project their own negative traits, faults, and insecurities onto one family member, who becomes the scapegoat. This individual is unfairly blamed for the family's problems and is often subjected to emotional abuse, neglect, and criticism.
-==== Dynamics and Characteristics ====
-The scapegoat in a narcissistic family system is typically the most sensitive, independent, or outspoken member, which threatens the narcissistic parent's need for control and admiration. This person is often made to feel inferior, inadequate, and responsible for the family's issues, creating a cycle of guilt and shame. The scapegoat's successes and achievements are minimized or ignored, while their mistakes are exaggerated and used as evidence of their alleged flaws.
-==== Examples ====
-. '''The Outspoken Child:'''
-In a family where the mother is a narcissist, the middle child, Jane, often questions her mother's decisions and speaks out against unfair treatment. To maintain her control, the mother labels Jane as rebellious and difficult. Jane is blamed for any tension or conflict within the family, reinforcing her role as the scapegoat.
-. '''The Sensitive Sibling:'''
-In another scenario, the youngest sibling, Mark, is naturally empathetic and sensitive. His narcissistic father perceives these traits as weaknesses and constantly belittles Mark. Whenever there is a family disagreement or problem, Mark is blamed and criticized for being too emotional, making him the family's scapegoat.
-. '''The Independent Teenager:'''
-In a family where both parents exhibit narcissistic traits, the eldest daughter, Lisa, strives for independence and sets her own goals. Her parents view this as a threat to their authority and unity. They undermine her efforts and blame her for causing division in the family. Lisa becomes the scapegoat, bearing the brunt of her parents' frustrations and disappointments.
-==== Consequences for the Scapegoat ====
-Being the scapegoat in a narcissistic family system can have severe long-term effects on the individual's mental and emotional well-being. Common consequences include:
-* '''Low Self-Esteem:''' Constant criticism and blame can erode the scapegoat's self-worth and confidence.
-* '''Anxiety and Depression:''' The chronic stress and emotional abuse can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
-* '''Relationship Difficulties:''' Scapegoats may struggle with trust and intimacy in their relationships, often replicating the dysfunctional dynamics they experienced in their family.
-* '''Resilience and Empathy:''' Despite the negative impacts, some scapegoats develop a strong sense of empathy and resilience, using their experiences to help others and advocate for change.
-Understanding the role of the scapegoat in a narcissistic family system is essential for recognizing and addressing the harmful patterns that perpetuate this dynamic. Therapeutic interventions and support can help scapegoats heal and reclaim their sense of self.