The term "transgresses" in the Bible refers to the act of violating a command, law, or duty, often implying a willful or deliberate breach. It is closely associated with sin and disobedience against God's commandments. The concept of transgression is central to understanding the nature of sin and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "transgress" is "pasha," which conveys the idea of rebellion or revolt against authority. Transgression is seen as a serious offense against God, who is the ultimate lawgiver. For instance, in Isaiah 53:5 , the prophet speaks of the suffering servant, saying, "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 highlights the gravity of transgression and the redemptive work of the Messiah.

The Mosaic Law provided specific commandments, and transgressing these laws was considered a breach of the covenant between God and Israel. In Leviticus 16:16 , the Day of Atonement is described as a time to atone for the transgressions of the people: "In this way he will make atonement for the Most Holy Place because of the uncleanness and rebellion of the Israelites, whatever their sins have been."

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the Greek word "parabasis" is often used for transgression, emphasizing the act of stepping over a boundary or limit set by God. 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 of righteous behavior.

The New Testament also emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ in addressing human transgressions. In Hebrews 9:15 , it is written, "Therefore Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, now that He has died to redeem them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." This underscores the belief that Christ's sacrificial death provides atonement for transgressions, offering believers a path to reconciliation with God.

Moral and Theological Implications

Transgression is not merely a legalistic breach but a moral and spiritual failure that affects one's relationship with God. It is an act of defiance against God's holiness and righteousness. Psalm 32:1 expresses the blessedness of forgiveness: "Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered." This verse reflects the hope and relief found in divine forgiveness.

The Bible consistently calls believers to recognize their transgressions, repent, and seek God's forgiveness. Proverbs 28:13 advises, "He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy." This highlights the importance of confession and repentance in the life of a believer.

Conclusion

While the Bible portrays transgression as a serious offense, it also offers the hope of redemption and forgiveness through faith in Jesus Christ. The acknowledgment of one's transgressions and the acceptance of Christ's atoning sacrifice are central to the Christian faith, providing a pathway to restored fellowship with God.

Whether a Religious Sins Mortally Whenever He Transgresses the ...
... OF THOSE THINGS IN WHICH THE RELIGIOUS STATE PROPERLY CONSISTS (TEN ARTICLES) Whether
a religious sins mortally whenever he transgresses the things contained ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether a religious sins mortally.htm

The Vain Pretensions of False Gods.
... light. Power absolute, I say, robs men of life. And property; transgresses
plighted faith; Nor spares even cities, but with cruel hand. ...
/.../justin on the sole government of god /chapter v the vain pretensions of.htm

Unity of Marriage Taught by Its First Institution, and by the ...
... The two births combine in laying down one prescriptive rule of monogamy. In regard
of each of the two, is he degenerate who transgresses the limit of monogamy. ...
/.../tertullian/on exhortation to chastity/chapter v unity of marriage taught.htm

The Sin of Omission.
... squarely upon the line of righteousness; if therefore he is off that line, because
he has not come up to it, he is as guilty as when he transgresses, or passes ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/shedd/sermons to the natural man/the sin of omission.htm

Virtue Rational, Sin Irrational.
... 1300] Wherefore also it is added: "He neighs, whoever may be sitting on him." The
man, it is meant, no longer speaks; for he who transgresses against reason is ...
/.../the instructor paedagogus/chapter xiii virtue rational sin irrational.htm

On Rational Natures.
... 2. Then, in the next place, we must know that every being which is endowed with
reason, and transgresses its statutes and limitations, is undoubtedly involved ...
/.../origen/origen de principiis/chapter v on rational natures.htm

Christ, the Great Teacher
... The Right Relation of Man to Sin."Man violates his sense of righteousness
and justice. He transgresses the laws of God and his nature. ...
/.../sell/studies in the life of the christian/study i christ the great.htm

On Proverbs. From the Commentary of St. Hippolytus on Proverbs.
... bosom unrighteously. And he forsakes the law who transgresses it; the law,
namely, of which he speaks, or which he has kept. [1223 ...
/.../on proverbs from the commentary.htm

Importance of the Expressions "Behind" and "Turned. "
... behind the Lord God and is behind the Christ; but it is the opposite when any one
casts the words of God behind him, or when he transgresses the commandment ...
/.../22 importance of the expressions.htm

Why Christ's Coming Should be Previously Announced.
... Sender, if any, purposely commissioning Him. Everything will be open to
suspicion which transgresses a rule. Now the primary order of ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter ii why christs coming should.htm

Transgresses (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Transgresses (2 Occurrences). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses
and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. ...
/t/transgresses.htm - 7k

Transgressed (44 Occurrences)

/t/transgressed.htm - 21k

Transgressor (9 Occurrences)
... (n.) One who transgresses; one who breaks a law, or violates a command; one who
violates any known rule or principle of rectitude; a sinner. ...
/t/transgressor.htm - 9k

Transgressest (1 Occurrence)

/t/transgressest.htm - 6k

Runs (28 Occurrences)
... has mercy. (WEB DBY NAS). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain
in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who ...
/r/runs.htm - 13k

Continues (32 Occurrences)
... union with him. (WEY). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain
in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains ...
/c/continues.htm - 15k

Ahead (98 Occurrences)
... the reward. (See NIV). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain
in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains ...
/a/ahead.htm - 33k

Remains (118 Occurrences)
... us forever: (WEB). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in
the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains ...
/r/remains.htm - 34k

Continue (144 Occurrences)
... touch him. (See NIV). 2 John 1:9 Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain
in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains ...
/c/continue.htm - 36k

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