Bible Dictionary
Expiation
Expiation is the removal or covering of guilt through punishment borne by a substitute. The sacrificial system of the Old Testament expressed this idea, pointing to reconciliation with God through substitutionary atonement.
Biblical Usage
The Old Testament sacrificial system expresses the idea of vicarious expiation. The cover or lid of the ark is called by a term meaning that which covers, and the sacrificial system presents guilt as dealt with through substitution.