Transgress

Transgress - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

TRANSGRESS', v.t. [L. transgressus, transgredior; trans and gradior, to pass.]

1. To pass over or beyond any limit; to surpass.

2. In a moral sense, to overpass any rule prescribed as the limit of duty; to break or violate a law, civil or moral. To transgress a divine law, is sin. Legislators should not transgress laws of their own making.

TRANSGRESS', v.i. To offend by violating a law; to sin.

Chron 2.

Transgression - (Webster's 1828 Dictionary)

TRANSGRES'SION, n. The act of passing over or beyond any law or rule of moral duty; the violation of a law or known principle of rectitude; breach of command.

He mourned because of the transgression of them that had been carried away. Ezra 10.

Forgive thy people all their transgressions. 1 Ki 8.

1. Fault; offense; crime.

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.

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).

David Roberts Dungan

Definition

The term “transgress” means to cross a line or to violate a boundary. The term is often used figuratively, meaning to break a command, rule, or moral code.

• This term is very similar to the word “trespass,” but is generally used more often to describe violations against God than against other people.
• To “transgress” can also be described as to “cross a line,” that is, to go beyond a limit or boundary that has been set for the good of the person and others.

Translation Suggestions

• To “transgress” could be translated as to “sin” or to “disobey” or to “rebel.”
• If a verse or passage uses two terms that mean “sin” or “transgress” or “trespass,” it is important, if possible, to use different ways to translate these terms. When the Bible uses two or more terms with similar meanings in the same context, usually its purpose is to emphasize what is being said or to show its importance.

(See: parallelism)

(See also: disobey, sin, trespass, iniquity)

Bible References

• 1 Thessalonians 4:6
• Daniel 9:24-25
• Galatians 3:19-20
• Galatians 6:1-2
• Numbers 14:17-19
• Psalm 32:1

Word Data

• Strong’s: H0898, H4603, H4604, H6586, H6588, G04580, G04590, G38450, G38470, G38480, G39280