Trespass in Context: A Closer Look

What is a Trespass?

In biblical terms, a trespass specifically denotes actions that cross divine or moral boundaries, often necessitating restitution beyond mere repentance.

Exodus 20:15 (‘You shall not steal’) establishes trespass as a violation of property and trust, while Leviticus 6:2-3 specifies that deceiving others - such as lying about lost property - constitutes a trespass requiring restitution plus penalties. These passages define trespass as a breach of covenantal obligations instead of personal wrongdoing. The emphasis on restoring what was taken or defrauded underscores its communal and relational dimensions.

Unlike general sin, which broadly refers to any failure to align with God’s will, trespass carries the added dimension of direct harm to others or to God’s established order. This distinction highlights the need for both repentance and active reconciliation in cases of trespass, bridging to broader biblical principles of justice and accountability.

The Biblical Consequences of Trespass

The Bible outlines severe consequences for trespass, emphasizing both relational and spiritual restoration.

Leviticus 6:5 mandates restitution for trespasses, requiring offenders to repay what was wronged plus an additional 20% and a guilt offering to God. Isaiah 59:2 declares that trespass creates a spiritual chasm between humanity and God, stating, 'your iniquities have separated between you and your God.' Psalm 51:4 underscores the moral gravity of trespass, as David confesses to sinning 'against [God] only,' acknowledging that even human offenses are ultimately violations of divine order. These passages reveal trespass as more than interpersonal harm - it disrupts the covenantal relationship with God.

1 John 2:1-2 presents Jesus as the solution to trespass, offering atonement through His sacrificial death. The verse affirms that Christ 'is propitiation for our sins,' bridging the separation caused by trespass and enabling reconciliation. This theological resolution underscores the biblical trajectory from restitution to redemptive grace, setting the stage for exploring Christ’s broader role in addressing sin.

How to Read Trespasses Correctly

Understanding trespass in Scripture requires attention to covenantal context, communal implications, and pathways to restoration.

First, trespass is rooted in covenantal obligations, as seen in Numbers 5:6-8, which mandates restitution and atonement for violating God’s laws. Second, biblical texts like Psalm 106:6 distinguish between individual acts of trespass and collective failures, emphasizing communal accountability. Third, 2 Corinthians 5:17 highlights that repentance and reconciliation - rather than mere punishment - are central to addressing trespass, reflecting the transformative power of Christ’s work.

This framework ensures trespass is interpreted as both a relational and spiritual matter, guiding readers toward a holistic understanding of justice and grace in Scripture.

Going Deeper

Theological reflection on trespass traces God's redemptive plan from covenantal accountability to Christ's atoning sacrifice.

In the Old Testament, trespass demanded restitution plus a guilt offering (Leviticus 6:3), emphasizing communal justice and relational repair. The New Testament reorients this through Jesus' role as 'propitiation for our sins' (1 John 2:2), resolving trespass through divine grace while retaining the call to repentance. Related terms like 'iniquity' (Isaiah 59:2) highlight spiritual separation, whereas 'sin' broadly encompasses moral failure, illustrating how trespass uniquely intersects with both divine and human obligations.