Bible Dictionary
TRESPASS
A trespass is a violation of law or an offense against God or another person. Under the Law, it required confession, restitution where appropriate, and an offering; the New Testament emphasizes reconciliation, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God through Christ.
Definition
Trespass is an offense or violation of law, whether against God, another person, a community, or the state. It may involve passing beyond one’s rights, injuring another, or committing a civil or moral wrong.
Biblical Usage
Under the Old Testament law, trespass required confession and an offering, with restitution when another person or property had been harmed. The New Testament calls for reconciliation, forgiveness, and reconciliation with God through Christ.
Historical Background
When property was injured, the offender was required to restore its value and add a fifth. Offerings varied according to the offense, and reconciliation with the injured person preceded the offering when the wrong was against another human being.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>tres'-pas: To pass over, to go beyond one's right in place or act; to injure another; to do that which annoys or inconveniences another; any violation of law, civil or moral; it may relate to a person, a community, or the state, or to offenses against God. The Hebrew 'asham ("sin"), is used very frequently in the Old Testament when the trespass is a violation of law of which God is the author. The Greek word is paraptoma.</p><p>In the Old Testament an offering was demanded when the offense was against God: a female lamb; in other cases, according to the magnitude of the wrong, a ram or a goat; the offering was to be preceded by a confession by the one committing the trespass. If the trespass was against a human being, the wrong-doer must make it right with the person, and when reconciliation should have been effected, then the offering for sin was to be made. See under SACRIFICE, "Trespass Offering." If a person's property has been injured, then the trespasser shall add a fifth to the value of the property injured and give that to the injured party (Le 6:5). Zaccheus, wanting to make full restitution, went beyond the demands of the Law (Lu 19:1-9).</p><p>The New Testament teaching on the subject is, first to be reconciled to the brother and then offer, or worship (Mt 5:23,24). In all cases, also, the offended party must forgive if the offender shall say, "I repent" (Mt 6:14; Eph 4:32; Col 3:13). We have been alienated by our trespasses from God (Eph 2:1). It was the Father's good will to reconcile all to Himself through Christ (Col 1:20-22). We must be reconciled to God (2Co 5:20,21). This being done, our trespasses shall be forgiven and we shall be justified.</p><p>David Roberts Dungan</p>