Offenses
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In the context of the Bible, "offenses" refer to actions or behaviors that cause someone to stumble in their faith or lead them into sin. The concept of offenses is significant in both the Old and New Testaments, highlighting the importance of maintaining a life that is pleasing to God and considerate of others' spiritual well-being.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding offenses through the Law and the Prophets. The Hebrew word often translated as "offense" is "mikshol," which means a stumbling block or an obstacle. In Leviticus 19:14, the Israelites are commanded, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the principle of not causing harm or leading others into difficulty, whether physically or spiritually.

The prophets also speak against offenses, particularly in the context of idolatry and injustice. Ezekiel 18:30 warns, "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall." Here, offenses are linked with sin and the need for repentance to avoid divine judgment.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles address offenses with a focus on their impact on the community of believers. Jesus warns against causing others to stumble in their faith, particularly the "little ones" or those who are vulnerable in their spiritual journey. In Matthew 18:6, Jesus states, "But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea."

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of offenses in his letters. In Romans 14:13, he advises, "Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way." Paul emphasizes the importance of love and consideration for others, urging believers to avoid actions that might lead others into sin or weaken their faith.

Spiritual and Moral Implications

Offenses are not merely about personal sin but have broader implications for the community of faith. They can disrupt unity, lead others astray, and damage the witness of the church. In 1 Corinthians 8:9, Paul warns, "Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak." This highlights the responsibility of mature believers to exercise their freedom in Christ with sensitivity to the spiritual condition of others.

The New Testament also provides guidance on how to address offenses within the church. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for reconciliation, emphasizing the goal of restoring relationships and maintaining the integrity of the community.

Conclusion

The biblical teaching on offenses calls believers to a high standard of conduct, one that prioritizes the spiritual well-being of others and the unity of the church. By avoiding actions that cause others to stumble and by seeking reconciliation when offenses occur, Christians are called to reflect the love and holiness of God in their relationships with one another.
Strong's Hebrew
2399. chet -- a sin
... sin. Word Origin from chata Definition a sin NASB Word Usage greatly (1), offenses
(2), penalty (1), sin (22), sins (7). fault, grievously ...
/hebrew/2399.htm - 6k
Library

Offenses
... Mark CHAPTER 9:38-50 OFFENSES. "John said unto Him, Master, we saw one casting out
devils in Thy Name: and we forbade him, because he followed not us. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 9 38-50 offenses.htm

Petilianus Said: "Hemmed In, Therefore, by These Offenses...
... Petilianus said: "Hemmed in, therefore, by these offenses? "21. Petilianus said:
"Hemmed in, therefore, by these offenses, you cannot be a true bishop." ...
/.../chapter 9 21 petilianus.htm

The End.
... And although, as is the custom of the world it cannot be but that offenses have
occurred in this schism through malice and by imprudent people; for the devil ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 37 the end.htm

Philemon i. 3-Jan
... The offenses against us here are a hundred pence, but those from us against
God are ten thousand talents. But you know that offenses ...
/.../homily i philemon i 3-jan.htm

Second Sunday in Lent
... Paul would have every man keep himself chaste and free from wrong against every
man, pronouncing the wrath of God on offenses of this character. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/second sunday in lent.htm

What the Reign of the Saints with Christ for a Thousand Years Is ...
... The Son of man shall send His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all
offenses." [1357] Can He mean out of that kingdom in which are no offenses? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 9 what the reign of.htm

Whether Sins of Commission and Omission Differ Specifically?
... For "offense" and "sin" are condivided with one another (Eph.2:1), where it is written:
"When you were dead in your offenses and sins," which words a gloss ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether sins of commission and.htm

Whether all those who Perform Works of Mercy Will be Punished ...
... Mat.6:12): "Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors," and further on
(Mat.6:14): "For if you will forgive men their offenses, your heavenly Father ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether all those who perform.htm

Matt. vii. 1
... For although His disciples had been guilty of no such sin, yet in them were supposed
to be offenses; as, for instance, not keeping the sabbath, eating with ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxiii matt vii 1.htm

1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan
... Might He not say, "If thou wouldest have Me so severe in exacting offenses against
thee, how canst thou expect Me to pardon thy offenses against Me?" Let us ...
/.../homily vi 1 timothy ii.htm

Thesaurus
Offenses (23 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Offenses (23 Occurrences). Matthew 18:7 Woe to
the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that ...
/o/offenses.htm - 12k

Offend (24 Occurrences)
... (Ecclesiastes 10:4, "Yielding pacifleth great offenses," the American Standard ...offenses";
1 Corinthians 8:13 twice, "if meat make my brother to offend," etc.). ...
/o/offend.htm - 23k

Offence (27 Occurrences)
... (Ecclesiastes 10:4, "Yielding pacifleth great offenses," the American Standard ...offenses";
1 Corinthians 8:13 twice, "if meat make my brother to offend," etc.). ...
/o/offence.htm - 25k

Punishments (31 Occurrences)
... Under the Mosaic Law, the offenses that made one liable to the punishment of death
were: (1) striking or reviling a parent (Exodus 21:15, 17); (2) blasphemy ...
/p/punishments.htm - 36k

Offense (44 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:7 Woe to the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses
come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! (Root in WBS). ...
/o/offense.htm - 18k

Pardon (31 Occurrences)
... from the penalties of an offense, being distinguished from amnesty, which is a general
obliteration and canceling of a particular line of past offenses. ...
/p/pardon.htm - 18k

Offensive (15 Occurrences)

/o/offensive.htm - 11k

Amos (12 Occurrences)
... place in Zion, now through the mouth of the prophet denounces in succession the
surrounding nations, and this mainly not for offenses committed against the ...
/a/amos.htm - 44k

Oblivion (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) Official ignoring of offenses; amnesty, or general pardon; as, an act
of oblivion. Multi-Version Concordance Oblivion (1 Occurrence). ...
/o/oblivion.htm - 6k

Jail (15 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) A kind of prison; a building for the confinement of persons held in lawful
custody, especially for minor offenses or with reference to some future ...
/j/jail.htm - 10k

Resources
How and when should we overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Pliny the Younger? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that love covers a multitude of sins? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Offenses (23 Occurrences)

Matthew 18:7
Woe to the world because of offenses! for it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh!
(WBS)

Romans 4:25
Who was delivered for our offenses, and raised again for our justification.
(WBS)

Romans 5:16
And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift. For the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses to justification.
(WBS)

Romans 16:17
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.
(WBS)

James 5:16
Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective.
(WEB)

Genesis 41:9
Then the chief cupbearer spoke to Pharaoh, saying, "I remember my faults today.
(See NAS)

Numbers 18:1
Yahweh said to Aaron, "You and your sons and your fathers' house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary; and you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood.
(See NIV)

Numbers 18:23
But the Levites shall do the service of the Tent of Meeting, and they shall bear their iniquity: it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations; and among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance.
(See NIV)

1 Kings 8:50
and forgive your people who have sinned against you, and all their transgressions in which they have transgressed against you; and give them compassion before those who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them
(See NIV)

Job 7:21
Why do you not pardon my disobedience, and take away my iniquity? For now shall I lie down in the dust. You will seek me diligently, but I shall not be."
(See NIV)

Proverbs 10:12
Hate is a cause of violent acts, but all errors are covered up by love.
(See RSV)

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, don't leave your place; for gentleness lays great offenses to rest.
(WEB WBS NAS RSV)

Isaiah 43:24
You have not got me sweet-smelling plants with your money, or given me pleasure with the fat of your offerings: but you have made me a servant to your sins, and you have made me tired with your evil doings.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 44:22
I have put your evil doings out of my mind like a thick cloud, and your sins like a mist: come back to me; for I have taken up your cause.
(See NIV)

Isaiah 59:12
For our evil doings are increased before you, and our sins give witness against us: for our evil doings are with us, and we have knowledge of our sins:
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 18:22
None of his transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him: in his righteousness that he has done he shall live.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 18:28
Because he considers, and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live, he shall not die.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 18:30
Therefore I will judge you, house of Israel, everyone according to his ways, says the Lord Yahweh. Return, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 18:31
Cast from off you all your transgressions, By which ye have transgressed, And make to you a new heart, and a new spirit, And why do ye die, O house of Israel?
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 33:10
You, son of man, tell the house of Israel: Thus you speak, saying, Our transgressions and our sins are on us, and we pine away in them; how then can we live?
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 37:23
neither shall they defile themselves any more with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions; but I will save them out of all their dwelling places, in which they have sinned, and will cleanse them: so shall they be my people, and I will be their God.
(See NIV)

Ezekiel 39:24
According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions did I to them; and I hid my face from them.
(See NIV)

Amos 5:12
For I know how many your offenses, and how great are your sins- you who afflict the just, who take a bribe, and who turn aside the needy in the courts.
(WEB NIV)

Subtopics

Offenses

Related Terms

Offend (24 Occurrences)

Offence (27 Occurrences)

Punishments (31 Occurrences)

Offense (44 Occurrences)

Pardon (31 Occurrences)

Offensive (15 Occurrences)

Amos (12 Occurrences)

Oblivion (1 Occurrence)

Jail (15 Occurrences)

Lays (30 Occurrences)

Laying (87 Occurrences)

Insistent (2 Occurrences)

Imposition (3 Occurrences)

Forgiving (11 Occurrences)

Forgiveness (124 Occurrences)

Trespass (101 Occurrences)

Tiberius (1 Occurrence)

Remission (18 Occurrences)

Effective (4 Occurrences)

Effects (6 Occurrences)

Duplicity (1 Occurrence)

Discipline (63 Occurrences)

Deprive (17 Occurrences)

Prosecute (2 Occurrences)

Punishable (3 Occurrences)

Powerfully (6 Occurrences)

Penitent (7 Occurrences)

Present (577 Occurrences)

Bribes (14 Occurrences)

Blot (23 Occurrences)

Citizenship (4 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Accomplish (44 Occurrences)

Allay

Powerful (93 Occurrences)

Sins (351 Occurrences)

Blindness (7 Occurrences)

Code (6 Occurrences)

Gentleness (17 Occurrences)

Confess (65 Occurrences)

Onesimus (2 Occurrences)

Abomination (78 Occurrences)

Bribe (27 Occurrences)

Leper (34 Occurrences)

Rises (56 Occurrences)

Life (6001 Occurrences)

Feet (2931 Occurrences)

Hammurabi

Leprosy (51 Occurrences)

Afflict (55 Occurrences)

Washing (56 Occurrences)

Oppress (57 Occurrences)

Monthly (11 Occurrences)

Joel (22 Occurrences)

Needy (83 Occurrences)

Hands (998 Occurrences)

Courts (59 Occurrences)

Accept (106 Occurrences)

Astronomy

Healed (106 Occurrences)

Sacrifice (300 Occurrences)

Joshua (211 Occurrences)

Sodomite (1 Occurrence)

Offense: The Wicked Take, At: The Righteousness of Faith
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