Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Etymology: Transgression, in biblical terms, refers to the act of violating a command or law, particularly the divine law set forth by God. The term is derived from the Latin "transgressio," meaning "a going across" or "a stepping over," which implies crossing a boundary or limit. In Hebrew, the word often translated as "transgression" is "pesha," which conveys the idea of rebellion or revolt against God's authority. In Greek, the term "parabasis" is used, indicating a deviation from the path or a breach of law. Biblical Context: Transgression is a central theme in the Bible, illustrating humanity's tendency to deviate from God's commandments and the resulting consequences. It is often used interchangeably with sin, though it specifically emphasizes the aspect of willful disobedience or rebellion against God's law. Old Testament References: The concept of transgression is prevalent throughout the Old Testament. In Genesis 31:36, Jacob confronts Laban, asking, "What is my transgression? What is my sin, that you have hotly pursued me?" Here, transgression is associated with an accusation of wrongdoing. In Psalm 32:1, David writes, "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." This verse highlights the blessedness of divine forgiveness for those who have transgressed. The prophets frequently addressed the transgressions of Israel, calling the nation to repentance. Isaiah 53:5 prophesies about the suffering servant, stating, "But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." This passage underscores the redemptive work of the Messiah in bearing the consequences of human transgression. New Testament References: In the New Testament, transgression continues to be a significant theme, particularly in the writings of Paul. Romans 4:15 states, "For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law, there is no transgression." This highlights the relationship between the law and transgression, indicating that the law defines the boundaries which, when crossed, constitute transgression. Galatians 3:19 asks, "Why then was the law given? It was added because of transgressions until the arrival of the Seed to whom the promise referred." Here, Paul explains that the law was given to reveal transgressions and to point to the need for a Savior. Theological Significance: Transgression is not merely a legalistic breach but a relational rupture between humanity and God. It signifies a conscious decision to go against God's will, resulting in spiritual and moral consequences. The Bible teaches that transgression leads to separation from God, as seen in Isaiah 59:2: "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." However, the Bible also emphasizes God's provision for dealing with transgression through repentance and forgiveness. In 1 John 1:9, believers are assured, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise of forgiveness is made possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty for transgressions on the cross. Practical Implications: Understanding transgression is crucial for believers as it calls for self-examination and a commitment to live in obedience to God's commandments. It serves as a reminder of the seriousness of sin and the need for continual repentance and reliance on God's grace. The awareness of transgression should lead to a deeper appreciation of the redemptive work of Christ and a life dedicated to holiness and righteousness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (n.) The act of transgressing, or of passing over or beyond any law, civil or moral; the violation of a law or known principle of rectitude; breach of command; fault; offense; crime; sin.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia TRANSGRESSIONtrans-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 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. Greek 3847. parabasis -- a going aside, a transgression ... a going aside, a transgression. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: parabasis Phonetic Spelling: (par-ab'-as-is) Short Definition: a transgression ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3847.htm - 7k 3892. paranomia -- lawbreaking 3900. paraptoma -- a false step, a trespass 458. anomia -- lawlessness Strong's Hebrew 6588. pesha -- transgression... pesha. 6589 . transgression. Transliteration: pesha Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-shah) Short Definition: transgressions. ... rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass. ... /hebrew/6588.htm - 6k 4604. maal -- an unfaithful or treacherous act 6586. pasha -- to rebel, transgress 7684. shegagah -- sin of error or inadvertance Library Whether Transgression is a Special Sin? Results of Transgression Are all Transgression of the Law Equally Heinous? How, Upon Saul's Transgression of the Prophet's Commands, Samuel ... That Man's Transgression did not Annul the Blessing of Fecundity ... Whether a Sin of Omission is More Grievous than a Sin of ... Did all Mankind Fall in Adam's First Transgression? Did all Mankind Fall in that First Transgression? What Does God Require of Us, that we May Escape his Wrath and ... Of the Greatness of the First Transgression, on Account of which ... Thesaurus Transgression (70 Occurrences)...TRANSGRESSION. ... In the Old Testament pesha`, occurs 80 times, rendered in all versions by "transgression." Its meaning is "rebellion"; see REBELLION. ... /t/transgression.htm - 29k Individual (12 Occurrences) Lovingkindness (176 Occurrences) Guilt (180 Occurrences) Eve (5 Occurrences) Violation (6 Occurrences) Outweighs (3 Occurrences) Oh (164 Occurrences) Generosity (6 Occurrences) Weepeth (29 Occurrences) Resources What is the difference between iniquity, sin, and transgression? | GotQuestions.orgDoes the Bible teach mortal and venial sin? | GotQuestions.org Why did Isa/Jesus have to die? | GotQuestions.org Transgression: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Transgression (70 Occurrences)Acts 1:25 Romans 2:23 Romans 4:15 Romans 5:14 Romans 5:15 Romans 5:16 Romans 5:17 Romans 5:18 Romans 5:20 Romans 11:11 Romans 11:12 1 Timothy 2:14 Hebrews 2:2 2 Peter 2:16 1 John 3:4 Genesis 31:36 Genesis 50:17 Exodus 22:9 Exodus 23:21 Exodus 34:7 Numbers 14:18 Joshua 22:22 Joshua 24:19 1 Samuel 24:11 1 Samuel 25:28 1 Chronicles 9:1 1 Chronicles 10:13 2 Chronicles 29:19 2 Chronicles 33:19 Ezra 9:4 Ezra 10:6 Job 7:21 Job 8:4 Job 13:23 Job 14:17 Job 33:9 Job 34:6 Job 34:37 Job 35:15 Psalms 19:13 Psalms 32:1 Psalms 36:1 Psalms 59:3 Psalms 89:32 Psalms 107:17 Proverbs 10:19 Proverbs 11:23 Proverbs 12:13 Proverbs 17:9 Proverbs 17:19 Proverbs 19:11 Proverbs 28:2 Proverbs 28:24 Proverbs 29:6 Proverbs 29:16 Proverbs 29:22 Isaiah 24:20 Isaiah 53:5 Isaiah 53:8 Isaiah 57:4 Isaiah 58:1 Isaiah 59:20 Daniel 8:12 Daniel 8:13 Daniel 8:23 Daniel 9:24 Amos 4:4 Micah 1:5 Micah 3:8 Micah 6:7 Subtopics Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Loving-kindness (150 Occurrences) Nevertheless (153 Occurrences) |