The meaning of “παράβασις”
Understanding parábasis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
breaking, transgression. - violation
παράβασις
breaking, transgression. - violation
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Romans 4:15 | “Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.” Word: παράβασις (parábasis) | |
| Galatians 3:19 | “Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.” Word: παράβασις (parábasis) | |
| 1 Timothy 2:14 | “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.” Word: παράβασις (parábasis) | |
| Hebrews 9:15 | “And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.” Word: παράβασις (parábasis) |
Theological Word Study: Transgression
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Transgression, rebellion
The Hebrew pesha (פֶּשַׁע) means transgression or rebellion—willful violation of God's law. It implies deliberate revolt against divine authority: 'he was wounded for our transgressions' (Isaiah 53:5).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Transgression, violation
The Greek parabasis (παράβασις) means transgression—stepping across a boundary. 'Where no law is, there is no transgression' (Romans 4:15), for transgression requires a known standard to violate.