### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek term παράπτωμα (paráptōma), Strong's `{{G3900}}`, derives from the verb παραπίπτω (parapíptō), meaning "to fall beside," "to fall away," or "to deviate." Its core semantic range encompasses the idea of a "side-slip," a "stumble," or a "false step." Figuratively, it denotes a departure from a prescribed path, a standard, or a moral/spiritual norm. It can refer to an unintentional error or a deliberate transgression, though in many biblical contexts, it carries the weight of a serious offense or a significant lapse in conduct or faith. Unlike a simple mistake, παράπτωμα implies a *fall* from a position of righteousness or expected behavior, often leading to negative consequences.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
παράπτωμα appears 20 times in the New Testament, with a significant concentration in the Pauline epistles (15 occurrences).
* **Romans 5:15-20:** This passage contains the most profound theological usage of παράπτωμα. Here, it specifically refers to Adam's singular act of disobedience, the "one man's trespass" (τοῦ ἑνὸς παραπτώματος), which resulted in sin and death for all humanity. Paul contrasts this foundational παράπτωμα with the superabundant grace and righteousness brought by Christ. This highlights the term's capacity to denote a decisive, world-altering transgression.
* **Romans 4:25:** Christ "was delivered up for our παράπτωμα," indicating that His death directly addresses and atones for human transgressions.
* **Romans 11:11-12:** Used to describe Israel's "fall" or "trespass" (παράπτωμα) which, paradoxically, led to salvation for the Gentiles. This demonstrates that even a significant deviation can be part of God's redemptive plan.
* **Galatians 6:1:** "If anyone is caught in any παράπτωμα," referring to a specific sin or lapse that requires gentle restoration by spiritual believers. Here, it emphasizes a personal, actionable offense.
* **Ephesians 1:7, 2:1, 2:5 & Colossians 2:13:** These passages repeatedly describe humanity's unregenerate state as being "dead in παράπτωμα" (trespasses). This underscores the pervasive and life-depriving nature of sin as a deviation from God's life and will.
* **2 Corinthians 5:19:** God was in Christ "not counting their παράπτωμα against them," highlighting the core message of reconciliation and divine forgiveness.
* **Matthew 6:14-15 & Mark 11:25-26:** In these synoptic passages, παράπτωμα is used in the context of interpersonal forgiveness. Believers are called to forgive the παράπτωμα of others in order to receive forgiveness from God, emphasizing the relational and reciprocal aspect of sin and pardon.
### Related Words & Concepts
παράπτωμα is part of a rich semantic field of sin-related terms in the New Testament, each with distinct nuances:
* **`{{G266}}` ἁμαρτία (hamartia):** The most general term for "sin," meaning "missing the mark." While ἁμαρτία can refer to the state of sinfulness or any act of sin, παράπτωμα often points to a specific "fall" or "deviation" from a standard. A παράπτωμα is a type of ἁμαρτία, emphasizing the aspect of a misstep or transgression.
* **`{{G3859}}` παράβασις (parabasis):** Meaning "transgression" or "stepping over a line." This term strongly implies the violation of a known law or command. παράπτωμα can overlap with παράβασις in referring to a deliberate offense, but παράπτωμα can also encompass unintentional error or a general lapse, whereas παράβασις more strictly denotes a breach of explicit bounds.
* **`{{G4086}}` πταίσμα (ptaisma):** Meaning "a stumble" or "a fall." This term is very close in meaning to παράπτωμα and is sometimes used interchangeably. However, παράπτωμα often carries a stronger connotation of a significant offense or a serious moral lapse.
* **`{{G4687}}` σκάνδαλον (skandalon):** Meaning "stumbling block" or "offense." While παράπτωμα is the *act* of falling or deviating, σκάνδαλον is the *cause* or *instrument* that leads one to stumble or fall into sin.
* **Disobedience/Rebellion:** These concepts are inherent in παράπτωμα, as it describes the act of straying from God's will or command.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of παράπτωμα is profound and multifaceted:
* **The Doctrine of the Fall:** The most critical theological contribution of παράπτωμα is its role in articulating the Adamic fall in [[Romans 5]]. Adam's single "trespass" (παράπτωμα) is presented as the decisive act that plunged humanity into a state of sin and death, establishing the universal need for redemption. This highlights the concept of corporate sin and its far-reaching consequences.
* **Humanity's Spiritual Condition:** The repeated assertion that humanity is "dead in παράπτωμα" ([[Ephesians 2:1]], [[Colossians 2:13]]) underscores the gravity of humanity's fallen state. It signifies a spiritual alienation from God, a state of being utterly incapable of responding to Him apart from divine intervention.
* **The Necessity of Atonement:** Because παράπτωμα leads to spiritual death and separation, it necessitates a divine remedy. Christ's atoning death is presented as the ultimate solution, delivering humanity from the condemnation brought by παράπτωμα and making reconciliation with God possible ([[Romans 4:25]], [[2 Corinthians 5:19]]).
* **The Triumph of Grace:** In [[Romans 5]], the magnitude of God's grace is powerfully contrasted with the devastating effects of Adam's παράπτωμα. The "free gift" of grace "overflows" (περισσεύω) far beyond the trespass, demonstrating that God's redemptive power is infinitely greater than the destructive power of sin. Grace reigns through righteousness, leading to eternal life, overcoming the reign of death introduced by the παράπτωμα.
* **Ethical and Relational Implications:** The use of παράπτωμα in the context of forgiveness ([[Matthew 6:14-15]]) emphasizes the call for believers to mirror God's forgiveness in their relationships with one another. It also highlights the importance of spiritual restoration within the community when a brother or sister "falls into" a παράπτωμα ([[Galatians 6:1]]).
### Summary
παράπτωμα (`{{G3900}}`) fundamentally describes a "side-slip," a "lapse," or a "deviation" from a righteous standard, encompassing both unintentional errors and deliberate transgressions. Its most significant theological import lies in its use to describe Adam's foundational act of disobedience, which brought sin and death to all humanity, thereby establishing the universal fallen condition. In the New Testament, particularly in Paul's epistles, it consistently refers to sins that separate humanity from God, underscoring the dire spiritual state of those "dead in παράπτωμα." The concept magnifies the absolute necessity of Christ's atoning work, through which God, in His boundless grace, does not count παράπτωμα against believers, offering reconciliation and justification. Furthermore, παράπτωμα carries practical implications for interpersonal forgiveness and the mutual restoration of believers within the community.
TRV