אָשָׁם (a.sham)
a.sham
guilt (offering)
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 33 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The noun asham refers to a state of guilt or a specific fault that demands restitution. In the Hebrew Bible, it carries a dual sense: it describes the moral weight of an offense and the tangible compensation required to repair the breach. This concept appears in narratives like Genesis 26:10, where Abimelech accuses Abraham of a trespass, and in legal codes that mandate making amends for wrongs committed.
Most notably, asham designates the guilt offering prescribed in Leviticus and Numbers. This ritual was distinct from other sacrifices because it always involved restoring what was taken or damaged, often adding a fifth of its value as a penalty. The law detailed specific procedures for these offerings in Leviticus 5 and 7, ensuring that forgiveness was tied to concrete acts of justice and repayment.
The theological significance of this word lies in its insistence on accountability. Unlike general terms for sin that might focus solely on spiritual defilement, asham emphasizes the relational damage caused by wrongdoing. By requiring restitution alongside atonement, the text teaches that true reconciliation involves both divine mercy and human responsibility to right wrongs.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word asham carries a heavy weight, describing both the state of being guilty and the specific offering required to address that guilt. In ancient Israel, this term highlighted that wrongdoing was not just a private matter but a breach in relationship with God and neighbor. The law required concrete action: restitution plus a penalty, ensuring that forgiveness was grounded in justice and tangible repair.
For your faith life, asham reminds us that true reconciliation involves more than feeling sorry. It calls for active steps to right wrongs. When we stumble, the path to healing includes confessing the specific act, making amends where possible, and trusting in God’s mercy to cover what we cannot fix on our own. This balance of responsibility and grace offers a clear way forward when we feel burdened by past mistakes.
This concept invites us to view our spiritual journey with honesty. We do not hide our faults but bring them into the light, seeking restoration through Christ, who fulfills the ultimate requirement of atonement. By acknowledging our need for repair and accepting God’s provision, we find peace that allows us to move forward in integrity.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 33 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ guilt offering11×
- a guilt offering6×
- to/ a guilt offering4×
- guilt offering/ his4×
- guilt3×
- the/ compensation2×
- [is] a guilt offering2×
- guilt offering/ their1×
- compensation/ its1×
- as the/ guilt offering1×
- and/ to the/ guilt offering1×
- [is] the/ guilt offering1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אָשָׁ֖ם3×
- לְ/אָשָׁ֖ם2×
- הָ/אָשָֽׁם\׃2×
- הָ/אָשָׁ֖ם2×
- הָ/אָשָׁ֑ם2×
- אָשָֽׁם\׃2×
- אָשָׁ֔ם2×
- אָשָׁ֑ם2×
- אֲשָׁמ/וֹ֙2×
- לְ/אָשָֽׁם\׃1×
- לְ/אָשָׁ֑ם1×
- כָּֽ/אָשָׁ֔ם1×
Key Verses
-
Leviticus 5:16
He shall make restitution for that which he has done wrong regarding the holy thing, and shall add a fifth part to it, and give it to the priest; and the priest shall make atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and he will be forgiven.
This verse specifies the requirement to add a fifth part to restitution, showing that asham demands tangible compensation alongside spiritual atonement.
-
Numbers 5:7
then he shall confess his sin which he has done; and he shall make restitution for his guilt in full, add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him in respect of whom he has been guilty.
Here the word links confession with full restitution, emphasizing that addressing guilt requires both verbal admission and material repair.
-
Leviticus 5:19
It is a trespass offering. He is certainly guilty before Yahweh.”
The text explicitly states 'He is certainly guilty before Yahweh,' defining asham as the objective status of being liable for a specific offense.
-
Genesis 26:10
Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt on us!”
Abimelech uses this term to describe the potential moral liability Abraham’s actions placed on his household, showing its broader ethical application.