In the context of the Bible, a lawbreaker is one who transgresses the commandments and statutes set forth by God. The concept of lawbreaking is deeply rooted in the narrative of Scripture, beginning with the disobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3). This initial act of rebellion against God's command not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil set the stage for humanity's ongoing struggle with sin and disobedience.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament law, given through Moses, is a comprehensive set of guidelines intended to govern the moral, ceremonial, and civil life of the Israelites. The law is encapsulated in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and further expanded in the books of Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. A lawbreaker, in this context, is one who violates these divine instructions. The consequences for breaking the law were often severe, including various forms of restitution, exclusion from the community, or even death (Leviticus 20:10-16).

The prophets frequently addressed the issue of lawbreaking, calling the people of Israel to repentance and warning of the consequences of their disobedience. For instance, Isaiah 1:4 declares, "Alas, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, a brood of evildoers, children of depravity! They have forsaken the LORD; they have despised the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on Him."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the concept of lawbreaking is expanded to include not only the Mosaic Law but also the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus emphasized the spirit of the law, teaching that true righteousness exceeds mere external compliance and involves the heart's intentions (Matthew 5:20-22). The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the nature of lawbreaking, explaining that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Paul also discusses the purpose of the law, stating in Galatians 3:24 , "So the law became our guardian to lead us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith." The law reveals humanity's inability to achieve righteousness on its own, pointing to the need for a Savior. In this light, a lawbreaker is not only one who violates specific commandments but also one who fails to meet the perfect standard of holiness required by God.

Redemption and Grace

The New Testament offers hope for lawbreakers through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Romans 6:14 assures believers, "For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace." Through faith in Christ, lawbreakers are justified and reconciled to God, receiving forgiveness and the promise of eternal life.

The Apostle John writes in 1 John 1:9 , "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." This promise underscores the transformative power of God's grace, enabling believers to live in obedience to His will.

Moral and Ethical Implications

The Bible's teachings on lawbreaking have significant moral and ethical implications for believers. Christians are called to uphold God's commandments and live lives that reflect His holiness. James 1:22 exhorts, "Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." This call to action emphasizes the importance of aligning one's conduct with the teachings of Scripture.

In summary, the concept of a lawbreaker in the Bible encompasses both the violation of specific commandments and the broader failure to live according to God's perfect standard. Through the grace offered in Jesus Christ, lawbreakers can find forgiveness and the strength to pursue a life of righteousness.(n.) One who disobeys the law; a criminal.

The Good Samaritan
... Supreme love to God and impartial love to man are the principles to be wrought
out in the life. The lawyer found himself a lawbreaker. ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 54 the good samaritan.htm

Our Death.
... But there is also punishment, which is the Lawgiver's act of upholding His law against
the lawbreaker. The Sacred Scripture calls this punishment "death.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xvi our death.htm

The First Evangelists
... court of justice. These are necessary to strike terror to the lawbreaker,
but the loving missionary can do more than this. Often the ...
/.../white/the desire of ages/chapter 37 the first evangelists.htm

On the Great Athanasius, Bishop of Alexandria.
... For it is not the intruder, but he whose rights are intruded upon, who is the successor,
not the lawbreaker, but the lawfully appointed, not the man of ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxi on the great.htm

The Friend Whose Years do not Fail. Rev. W. Arthur, MA
... those that are appointed to death." Here in every corner of the world you will see
a man who is appointed to death, accused, guilty, a lawbreaker, with witness ...
/.../king/the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the friend whose years do.htm

Lawbreaker (3 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) One who disobeys the law; a criminal.
Multi-Version Concordance Lawbreaker (3 Occurrences). Romans ...
/l/lawbreaker.htm - 7k

Outlaw (6 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) A lawbreaker; a fugitive; a habitual
criminal. 2. (vt) To deprive of the benefit and protection ...
/o/outlaw.htm - 8k

Law-breaker (3 Occurrences)
Law-breaker. Lawbreaker, Law-breaker. Lawbreakers . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(WEB). Lawbreaker, Law-breaker. Lawbreakers . Reference Bible.
/l/law-breaker.htm - 7k

Ananias (11 Occurrences)
... he had said, "The high priest breaking the law! God's high priest a tyrant
and a lawbreaker! I see a man in white robes, and have ...
/a/ananias.htm - 19k

Law (670 Occurrences)

/l/law.htm - 101k

Should a Christian be a vigilante? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean that Jesus took our place? | GotQuestions.org

What is a vice? | GotQuestions.org

Lawbreaker: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus