Bible Dictionary
TRANSGRESSION
Transgression is the deliberate crossing of a moral or legal boundary and therefore a violation of God’s command. In the Old Testament the term especially conveys rebellion, while the New Testament relates transgression to breaking a known law.
Definition
Transgression is the act of passing beyond a prescribed boundary, especially by violating a civil or moral law, command, or known principle of right conduct. It may mean rebellion, trespass, offense, crime, sin, or breach of command.
Biblical Usage
In the Old Testament, the principal term translated “transgression” means rebellion. In the New Testament, transgression is associated with trespass and with the violation of law; where there is no law, there is no transgression.
Historical Background
The English word is derived from the idea of passing over or beyond a limit. The Old Testament term occurs frequently and is consistently translated “transgression” in the versions described.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>trans-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" (Pr 17:11). Here the wise man contemplates an evil heart, looking for an excuse or opportunity to rebel.</p><p>The New Testament uses parabasis, "trespass": "The law .... was added because of transgressions" (Ga 3:19); "Where there is no law, neither is there transgression" (Ro 4:15); "for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant" (Heb 9:15).</p><p>David Roberts Dungan</p>