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παράβασις (parabasis)

parabasis

transgression

G3847 · Greek · New Testament · 7 verses

Quick Reference

Language
Koine Greek
Testament
New Testament
Occurrences
7 verses
Root
—

Word Overview

The noun parabasis describes a specific kind of sin: stepping over a boundary or crossing a line that has been clearly marked. It comes from a root meaning "to go beside" or "to pass over," suggesting an action where someone knowingly violates a known standard rather than simply missing the mark by accident.

In the New Testament, this word carries significant legal weight. Paul uses it to explain how the law functions; where there is no law, there is no transgression in this strict sense (Romans 4:15). He argues that the law was added to make sin recognizable as a deliberate breach of God’s command (Romans 5:14; Galatians 3:19). Similarly, Hebrews treats it as a serious violation of divine instruction, noting that breaking such a clear command deserves severe punishment (Hebrews 2:2).

This term distinguishes itself from general wrongdoing by emphasizing the existence of a definite rule. It is not merely a moral failure but a conscious disregard for a promulgated law. The sources highlight its use in Romans and Hebrews to show that sin becomes "transgression" only when there is a specific commandment to cross, intensifying the awareness of guilt and the need for redemption.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The word parabasis describes a specific kind of sin: stepping over a boundary or crossing a line that has been clearly marked. It comes from a root meaning "to go beside" or "to pass over," suggesting an action where someone knowingly violates a known standard rather than simply missing the mark by accident.

In the New Testament, this word carries significant legal weight. Paul uses it to explain how the law functions; where there is no law, there is no transgression in this strict sense (Romans 4:15). He argues that the law was added to make sin recognizable as a deliberate breach of God’s command (Romans 5:14; Galatians 3:19). Similarly, Hebrews treats it as a serious violation of divine instruction, noting that breaking such a clear command deserves severe punishment (Hebrews 2:2).

This term distinguishes itself from general wrongdoing by emphasizing the existence of a definite rule. It is not merely a moral failure but a conscious disregard for a promulgated law. The sources highlight its use in Romans and Hebrews to show that sin becomes "transgression" only when there is a specific commandment to cross, intensifying the awareness of guilt and the need for redemption.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • transgression4×
  • transgressions2×
  • transgression.1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • παραβάσεως2×
  • παραβάσεων2×
  • παράβασις.1×
  • παράβασις1×
  • παραβάσει1×

Key Verses

  • Romans 4:15
    For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

    This verse establishes the foundational principle that transgression requires a specific law to exist, defining the term's legal nature.

  • Hebrews 9:15
    For this reason he is the mediator of a new covenant, since a death has occurred for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, that those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.

    Here the word highlights Christ's role as mediator who redeems those guilty of violating the first covenant's commands.

  • Galatians 3:19
    Then why is there the law? It was added because of transgressions, until the offspring should come to whom the promise has been made. It was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.

    Paul explains that the law was temporarily added specifically to identify and define these boundary-crossing acts until Christ arrived.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does parabasis mean in the Bible?

It is a Greek noun that literally means "to step beside" or "cross over." In biblical usage, it refers to a specific type of sin where a person knowingly violates a known law or boundary, rather than simply making a mistake.

How is parabasis different from general sin?

While general sin can be broad or unintentional, parabasis implies a clear violation of a specific commandment. It emphasizes that the sinner knew the rule and deliberately crossed the line, which adds a layer of legal accountability.

Where does this word appear in Scripture?

It appears seven times in the New Testament, primarily in Romans (4:15; 5:14), Galatians (3:19), 1 Timothy (2:14), and Hebrews (2:2; 9:15). These passages use it to discuss the relationship between law, sin, and redemption.

Every Occurrence (7 verses across 4 books)

Romans 3 verses
Romans 2:23

You who glory in the law, do you dishonor God by disobeying the law?

Romans 4:15

For the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.

Romans 5:14

Nevertheless death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins weren’t like Adam’s disobedience, who is a…

Galatians 1 verse
I Timothy 1 verse
Hebrews 2 verses