The now commonly-used English term “scapegoat” (meaning a person who is blamed for the wrongdoings, mistakes, or faults of others) was first coined in 1530 in the English Pentateuch translation of William Tyndale (in the spelling scapegoote, meaning “the goat that escaped”). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 278)

In the New English Bible, it is translated as “the Precipice,” while in other English versions it can also be translated as “Azazel,” referring to a demon (see Translation commentary on Leviticus 16:8 and thanks Elizabeth Lewis).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Scapegoat .