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Transgression

Culture & Society

What is the meaning of Transgression in the Bible?

Transgression denotes the specific violation of a law or boundary established by authority, distinguishing it from general sin by emphasizing the act of crossing a defined limit. In biblical theology, the term frequently underscores the breach of covenant obligations, carrying distinct connotations in both the Old and New Testaments.

SIGNIFICANCE

Recognizing the precise meaning of transgression clarifies the biblical framework of accountability, illustrating how specific violations of divine law necessitate atonement and drive the narrative of redemption throughout scripture.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Transgression. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Transgression in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Transgression clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Transgression." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/transgression/
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