Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Meaning:In biblical terms, "trespasses" generally refer to acts of sin or offenses against God and others. The term is often used interchangeably with "sins" or "transgressions," though it can carry a connotation of specific violations or overstepping of boundaries set by divine law. Trespasses are actions that breach the moral and ethical standards established by God, leading to a disruption in the relationship between the individual and the divine, as well as between individuals themselves.
Biblical Usage:The concept of trespasses is prevalent throughout the Bible, emphasizing the need for repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation. In the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches His disciples to seek forgiveness for their trespasses: "And forgive us our trespasses, as we also have forgiven those who trespass against us" (
Matthew 6:12). This highlights the reciprocal nature of forgiveness and the importance of extending grace to others as we seek it from God.
Old Testament Context:In the Old Testament, trespasses are often associated with violations of the Mosaic Law.
Leviticus 5:15-16 outlines the guilt offering required for unintentional sins or trespasses against the holy things of the Lord. The Hebrew word often translated as "trespass" is "ma'al," which conveys the idea of acting unfaithfully or deceitfully. Trespasses in this context required restitution and a sacrificial offering to restore the relationship with God.
New Testament Context:The New Testament expands on the concept of trespasses, emphasizing the need for personal repentance and the transformative power of Christ's atonement. In
Ephesians 2:1, Paul writes, "As for you, you were dead in your trespasses and sins," illustrating the spiritual death that results from living in sin. However, through Christ, believers are made alive and reconciled to God, as stated in
Colossians 2:13: "When you were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses."
Forgiveness and Reconciliation:Forgiveness of trespasses is a central theme in Christian doctrine. Jesus' teachings emphasize the necessity of forgiving others to receive God's forgiveness. In
Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus states, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." This underscores the importance of a forgiving heart and the restoration of relationships.
Practical Implications:Believers are called to be mindful of their actions and the potential to trespass against God and others. The acknowledgment of one's own trespasses and the willingness to seek forgiveness are vital aspects of Christian living. The process of repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will.
Conclusion:The biblical concept of trespasses serves as a reminder of human fallibility and the need for divine grace. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers are offered forgiveness and the opportunity to restore their relationship with God. The call to forgive others as we have been forgiven is a foundational principle that guides Christian conduct and community life.
Greek
3900. paraptoma -- a false step, a trespass... Word Origin from parapipto Definition a false step, a trespass NASB Word Usage
transgression (7), transgressions (9), trespass (1),
trespasses (3).
...Library
And Forgive us OurTrespasses, as we Forgive those who Trespass...
... And forgive us ourtrespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against
us. This part now relates to our poor miserable life, which...
That in the Lord's Prayer the Saints Say for Themselves: "Forgive...
... The Sixth Ecumenical Council. Canon CXV. (Greek cxvi.) That in the Lord's Prayer
the Saints say for themselves: "Forgive us ourtrespasses."....
That the Saints Say with Accuracy, "Forgive us OurTrespasses. "
... Canon CXVI. (Greek cxvii.) That the Saints say with accuracy, "Forgive us our
trespasses.". That the Saints say with accuracy, "Forgive us ourtrespasses."...
The Reward of Obedience.
... 'If ye forgive men theirtrespasses,' the Lord says, 'your heavenly father will
also forgive you... If we forgive not men theirtrespasses, ourtrespasses remain....
Further Doctrines of Valentinus Respecting the ??ons; Reasons for...
... Valentinus) subjoins, however, the following statement: That thetrespasses
appertaining to the ??ons within (the Pleroma) had been corrected; and likewise had...
Fourteenth Lesson. When Ye Stand Praying, Forgive;'
... And whensoever ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any one; that
your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you yourtrespasses.'"Mark 11...
1 John iv. 12-Apr
... Behold, ye have heard the Lord saying, "If ye forgive men theirtrespasses,
your heavenly Father will forgive you also yourtrespasses....
The Forgiving Spirit in Prayer
... that our Lord taught His disciples,"the only petition that He repeats and underscores,
as we say,"is the fifth petition: "Forgive us ourtrespasses, as we...
Chapter xi.
... For He speaks thus: "For if ye forgive men theirtrespasses, your heavenly Father
will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men theirtrespasses, neither...
God Does not Pardon the Sins of those who do not from the Heart...
... also this form of prayer; and in order to impress this particular petition deeply
upon our minds, said, "For if ye forgive men theirtrespasses, your heavenly...
Thesaurus
Trespasses (19 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance
Trespasses (19 Occurrences). Matthew 6:14 "For if you
forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
...Transgressions (64 Occurrences)
... Transgressions (64 Occurrences). Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men their
trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (See NAS)....
Forgive (81 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). Matthew 6:14 "For if you forgive men
theirtrespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you....
Alive (166 Occurrences)
... Ephesians 2:5 even when we were dead through ourtrespasses, made us alive together
with Christ (by grace you have been saved), (WEB ASV WBS NAS RSV NIV)....
Trespassed (28 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 39:26 They shall bear their shame, and all theirtrespasses by which they
have trespassed against me, when they shall dwell securely in their land, and...
Quickened (9 Occurrences)
... die: (KJV ASV DBY YLT). Ephesians 2:1 And you hath he quickened, who were
dead intrespasses and sins; (KJV). Ephesians 2:5 Even when...
Forgave (13 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:13 And you -- being dead in thetrespasses and the uncircumcision of
your flesh -- He made alive together with him, having forgiven you all the...
Uncircumcision (19 Occurrences)
... Colossians 2:13 You were dead through yourtrespasses and the uncircumcision
of your flesh. He made you alive together with him, having...
Forgiven (61 Occurrences)
... (KJV WEY BBE DBY WBS NAS). Colossians 2:13 You were dead through your
trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He made you...
Trespass (101 Occurrences)
... We have been alienated by ourtrespasses from God (Ephesians 2:1). It was the Father's
good will to reconcile all to Himself through Christ (Colossians 1:20-22...
Resources
What does it mean to be dead in trespasses and sins? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a trespass in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgIrresistible Grace - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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