Bible Dictionary
TRUST, BREACH OF
A breach of trust is the violation of a covenant, contract, or entrusted obligation. Biblical examples include fraud, failure to restore what was taken, and moving established landmarks; such wrongdoing required restitution and accountability.
Definition
A breach of trust is the violation of a covenant, contract, entrusted obligation, or established boundary. It includes fraud, wrongful dealings with another’s property, failure to restore what was taken, and removal of landmarks.
Biblical Usage
The clearest biblical treatment is in Leviticus 6:2-7, where the offense and its penalty are set out. Other passages include the removal of landmarks as a comparable violation of trust and established rights.
Historical Background
The expression is a modern designation for offenses treated in the biblical law. The supplied material especially associates it with breaches involving contracts, property, and boundary markers.
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>The clearest reference to the crime designated by this modern expression is found in Le 6:2-7, where the transgression is defined and the penalty set forth. Breach of covenant or contract and the removal of landmarks (De 19:14; 27:17; Pr 22:28; 23:10) may be included.</p>