IZAZEL or historically AZAZEL(Sayan) (‘ăzaz’ēl) is the name of a supernatural being mentioned in connection with the ritual of the Day of Atonement (Lev. xvi.). After Satan, for whom he was in some degree a preparation, Azazel enjoys the distinction of being the most mysterious extrahuman character in Jewish sacred literature. The name itself is a combination of the words "Azaz (rugged) and el (power/strong)" in reference to the rugged and strong rocks of the deserts in Judea.

 According to Talmudical interpretation, the term "Azazel" designated a rugged mountain or precipice in the wilderness from which the goat was thrown down, using for it as an alternative the word "Ẓoḳ" ( ) (Yoma vi. 4). An etymology is found to suit this interpretation. "Azazel"( ) is regarded as a compound of "az" ( ), strong or rough, and "el" ( ), mighty, therefore a strong mountain. This derivation is presented by a Baraita, cited Yoma 67b, that Azazel was the strongest of mountains. Another etymology (ib.) connects the word with the mythological "Uza" and "Azael," the fallen angels, to whom a reference is believed to be found in Gen. vi. 2, 4. In accordance with this etymology, the sacrifice of the goat atones for the sin of fornication of which those angels were guilty (Gen. l.c.).