Bible Encyclopedias
Transgression

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

trans - gresh´un : From "transgress," to pass over or beyond; to overpass, as any rule prescribed as the limit of duty; to break or violate, as a law, civil or moral; the act of transgressing; the violation of a law or known principle of rectitude; breach of command; offense; crime; sin. In the Old Testament פּשׁע , pesha‛ , occurs 80 times, rendered in all versions by "transgression." Its meaning is "rebellion"; see REBELLION . The word "rebellion" differs from this word in that it may be in the heart, though no opportunity should be granted for its manifestation: "An evil man seeketh only rebellion" (Proverbs 17:11 ). Here the wise man contemplates an evil heart, looking for an excuse or opportunity to rebel.

The New Testament uses παράβασις , parábasis , "trespass": "The law ... was added because of transgressions" ( Galatians 3:19 ); "Where there is no law, neither is there transgression" (Romans 4:15 ); "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant" (Hebrews 9:15 ).