Trespass Offering
TextsWhat is the meaning of Trespass Offering in the Bible?
The trespass offering, or asham, is a ritual sacrifice prescribed in Leviticus 4:1-6:7 for unintentional sins involving the violation of holy things or the infringement of another's rights, requiring restitution and a ram without blemish to effect ritual purification.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this offering clarifies the biblical concept that ethical breaches against others or sacred boundaries require tangible restitution alongside ritual atonement to restore communal and divine order.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Trespass Offering functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Trespass Offering in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Trespass Offering clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Leviticus 4:1-6
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
"Trespass Offering." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/trespass-offering/