The Greek word paráptōma, represented by G3900, denotes a side-slip or deviation. It appears 23 times across 20 unique verses in the Bible. The term can describe an (unintentional) error or a (wilful) transgression, and is often translated as fall, fault, offence, sin, or trespass.
In scripture, G3900 is used to illustrate the spiritual state of humanity and the solution found in Christ. It describes people as being dead in trespasses (Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5, Colossians 2:13). The concept is central to the doctrine of forgiveness, where believers are instructed to forgive men their trespasses to be forgiven by their heavenly Father Matthew 6:14. This theme of forgiveness is directly linked to Christ's redemptive work, through whom we have redemption and the forgiveness of sins Ephesians 1:7. Christ was delivered for our offences Romans 4:25, and through him, God is not imputing their trespasses to the world 2 Corinthians 5:19.
Several related words clarify the context and meaning of G3900:
- G266 hamartía (a sin): This word is often used in parallel with paráptōma to describe the human condition, such as being "dead in trespasses G3900 and G2532 sins G266" Ephesians 2:1.
- G863 aphíēmi (forgive): This term is crucial to understanding the response to a trespass. It is used repeatedly to command believers to forgive the trespasses of others (Matthew 6:14, Matthew 6:15).
- G1347 dikaíōsis (justification): This concept stands in direct contrast to the condemnation brought by an offence. Christ was raised for our justification, the remedy for our offences Romans 4:25.
- G2675 katartízō (restore): This word shows the proper community response when a person is "overtaken G4301 in G1722 a G5100 fault G3900," which is to restore them in a spirit of meekness Galatians 6:1.
The theological weight of G3900 is significant, framing key aspects of salvation.
- Human Fallenness: The word establishes the condition of humanity as being spiritually dead because of trespasses and sins, separated from the life of God (Ephesians 2:1, Colossians 2:13).
- Federal Headship and Condemnation: A single offence by one man resulted in death reigning and judgment coming upon all men to condemnation (Romans 5:17, Romans 5:18).
- Christ's Atoning Work: The forgiveness of trespasses is a central part of Christ's work. He was delivered for our offences Romans 4:25, and God offers reconciliation by not counting people's trespasses against them 2 Corinthians 5:19. His righteousness provides justification as the free gift that answers the problem of the offence Romans 5:18.
- Conditional Forgiveness: The teachings of Jesus link our forgiveness from God directly to our willingness to forgive the trespasses of others (Matthew 6:14-15, Mark 11:25).
In summary, G3900 represents more than a simple mistake; it is a critical theological term describing a transgression or deviation that leads to spiritual death and condemnation. It is used to contrast the fallen state of humanity with the life-giving justification available through Christ. The word underscores the gravity of sin, the necessity of Christ's sacrifice, and the believer's responsibility to extend forgiveness and restore those who fall into a fault.
TRV