In the context of the Bible, the term "culprits" refers to individuals who are guilty of wrongdoing or sin. The concept of guilt and culpability is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the need for divine redemption.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses the issue of sin and guilt, often through the narratives of individuals and nations who transgress God's commandments. The Hebrew word often associated with guilt is "asham," which conveys the idea of being guilty or liable for wrongdoing. In Leviticus 5:17 , it is written, "If someone sins and violates any of the LORD’s commandments even though he was unaware, he is guilty and shall bear his punishment."

The account of Adam and Eve in Genesis 3 is a foundational narrative illustrating the concept of culpability. Their disobedience in the Garden of Eden introduces sin into the world, making them the first culprits in biblical history. This act of rebellion results in the fall of humanity and the need for atonement.

The Law given to Moses further elaborates on the consequences of sin and the means of atonement. The sacrificial system established in Leviticus provides a way for the Israelites to address their guilt before God. Leviticus 4:27-28 states, "If one of the common people sins unintentionally by violating one of the LORD’s commandments and incurs guilt by doing what is forbidden, when he realizes his guilt and the sin he has committed becomes known, he must bring an unblemished female goat as his offering for the sin he has committed."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of culprits is expanded to include all of humanity, as all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). The Greek word "hamartia" is often used to denote sin or wrongdoing. The New Testament emphasizes the universality of sin and the need for a Savior.

Jesus Christ's ministry highlights the call to repentance and forgiveness for those who are guilty of sin. In John 8:3-11 , the account of the woman caught in adultery illustrates Jesus' approach to culprits. When the Pharisees bring the woman to Jesus, seeking to stone her according to the Law, Jesus responds, "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to cast a stone at her." After her accusers leave, Jesus tells the woman, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more."

The Apostle Paul further expounds on the nature of sin and redemption in his epistles. In Romans 5:8 , he writes, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This underscores the Christian belief that Jesus' sacrificial death provides atonement for the sins of all culprits who place their faith in Him.

Theological Implications

The concept of culprits in the Bible underscores the need for divine justice and mercy. The Scriptures teach that all are guilty before God, yet through Jesus Christ, there is hope for forgiveness and reconciliation. The call to repentance and faith is central to the Christian message, offering a path from guilt to grace.

Throughout the Bible, the narratives of individuals such as David, Peter, and Paul demonstrate that even those who have sinned grievously can find redemption and restoration through God's grace. The account of David's repentance in Psalm 51 and Peter's restoration after denying Christ (John 21:15-19) serve as powerful reminders of God's willingness to forgive and restore those who turn to Him in faith.3781. opheiletes -- a debtor
... Word Origin from opheilo Definition a debtor NASB Word Usage culprits (1),
debtors (1), indebted (1), owed (1), under obligation (3). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3781.htm - 7k

Conclusion --Repent Ye, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand.
... the soldiery, a battalion of police with their revolvers slung round them with red
cords, the persons of most importance among the peasants, and the culprits. ...
/.../the kingdom of god is within you/chapter xii conclusionrepent ye for.htm

Period i. The Apostolic Age: to Circa AD 100
... Therefore, to overcome this rumor, Nero put in his own place as culprits, and punished
with most ingenious cruelty, men whom the common people hated for their ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/period i the apostolic age .htm

Measures to Promote Revivals.
... And so they arranged the preachers of the Gospel before the magistrates of the city,
as culprits, and charged them with teaching doctrines, and especially ...
/.../finney/lectures on revivals of religion/lecture xiv measures to promote.htm

The Heathen Perverted Judgment in the Trial of Christians
... In this case you actually [476] conduct trials contrary to the usual form of judicial
process against criminals; for when culprits are brought up for trial ...
/.../tertullian/ad nationes/chapter ii name heathen perverted.htm

Apostrophe.
... events, are ever unclean, eternally dyed with the blood of the prophets, and of
the Lord Himself; and on that account, as being hereditary culprits from their ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/on prayer/chapter xiv apostrophe.htm

"Am Ia Sea, or a Whale?"
... afflicting him. He was beaten black and blue; and whereas other culprits had
forty stripes save one, he had fifty stripes save none. He ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 37 1891/am i a sea or.htm

Religious and Social State.
... It is objected in Hastings' DB (IV.631b) that "Daniel loudly condemns both culprits
before he adduces any proof of their guilt." But surely this was justified ...
/.../daubney/the three additions to daniel a study/religious and social state 2.htm

Monsters of Wickedness, we are Accused of Observing a Holy Rite in ...
... Where is the man who, when he had discovered such atrocities, concealed them; or,
in the act of dragging the culprits before the judge, was bribed into silence ...
/.../tertullian/apology/chapter vii monsters of wickedness.htm

Harmless Fires
... to Jehovah. Nebuchadnezzar's vehement address to the three culprits is
very characteristic and instructive. Fixed determination ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/harmless fires.htm

The Intercourse of God and his Friend
... the impending destruction was to be a direct Divine interposition of a punitive
kind made it more necessary that it should be confined to the actual culprits. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the intercourse of god and.htm

Culprits (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Culprits (1 Occurrence). Luke 13:4 Or those eighteen,
on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them ...
/c/culprits.htm - 6k

Bigthan (1 Occurrence)
... With Teresh he conspired against the king's life. Mordecai detected the conspiracy,
and the culprits were hanged (Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3). Int. ...
/b/bigthan.htm - 7k

Cult (7 Occurrences)

/c/cult.htm - 8k

Bigthana (2 Occurrences)
... or eunuchs of Xerxes on ("Ahasuerus") who conspired against the king's life, the
conspiracy being detected by Mordecai and the culprits hanged (Esther 2:21). ...
/b/bigthana.htm - 7k

Cudgels (3 Occurrences)

/c/cudgels.htm - 7k

Bel (3 Occurrences)
... the god-murderer put to death, a demand to which the royal master yields by having
Daniel cast into a den of lions, as was done to other culprits found guilty ...
/b/bel.htm - 39k

Dragon (20 Occurrences)
... the god-murderer put to death, a demand to which the royal master yields by having
Daniel cast into a den of lions, as was done to other culprits found guilty ...
/d/dragon.htm - 56k

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