from פָּשַׁע; a revolt (national, moral or religious); rebellion, sin, transgression, trespass.
Transliteration:peshaʻ
Pronunciation:peh'-shah
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun פֶּשַׁע (transliterated *peshaʻ*, Strong's `{{H6588}}`) derives from the verbal root פָּשַׁע (*pāshaʻ*, Strong's `{{H6586}}`), which signifies "to rebel," "to transgress," or "to break away." As a noun, *peshaʻ* denotes a deliberate act of rebellion, a willful transgression, or a breach of covenant. Unlike other terms for sin that may imply missing a mark or a deviation, *peshaʻ* carries the strong connotation of an intentional revolt against an established authority, particularly against God or a sovereign. Its semantic range encompasses:
* **Revolt/Rebellion:** A defiant breaking of allegiance or an uprising against a ruler or divine command.
* **Transgression:** A deliberate overstepping of boundaries, often implying a breaking of law or covenant.
* **Trespass:** An intrusion or violation, particularly of sacred or established norms.
* **Sin:** In a specific sense, emphasizing the aspect of defiant disobedience.
The core idea embedded in *peshaʻ* is a breach of relationship, a conscious act of insubordination that disrupts peace and order, whether between individuals, nations, or most profoundly, between humanity and God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
*Peshaʻ* appears frequently throughout the Old Testament, often in contexts highlighting its gravity as a willful act against divine or human authority.
In relational contexts, it can describe a national or individual act of rebellion against a king or a covenant partner. For instance, [[1 Kings 8:50]] speaks of the "transgressions" (*peshaʻ*) committed against the Lord, for which Israel was carried into captivity. Similarly, [[Isaiah 59:13]] describes a deep societal decay marked by "rebellion" (*peshaʻ*) and "transgression" against the Lord.
The term is particularly prominent in prophetic literature and the Psalms, where it frequently appears alongside other terms for sin, such as חַטָּאת (*chaṭṭa'th*, Strong's `{{H2403}}`, "sin" or "missing the mark") and עָוֹן (*ʻāwōn*, Strong's `{{H5771}}`, "iniquity" or "perversity"). This common pairing, as seen in [[Psalm 32:1]] ("Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered"), emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of human failing. While *chaṭṭa'th* might refer to unintentional error or a failure to meet a standard, and *ʻāwōn* to the twistedness or guilt associated with sin, *peshaʻ* specifically highlights the defiant and rebellious aspect.
The prophets frequently use *peshaʻ* to denounce Israel's covenant unfaithfulness. Amos, for example, repeatedly declares "For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment" ([[Amos 1:3]]), using *peshaʻ* to underscore the cumulative and deliberate nature of the nations' sins against God's moral order. In [[Micah 7:18]], God is praised as one "who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression (*peshaʻ*) of the remnant of his inheritance," illustrating divine grace in the face of human rebellion.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the verbal root *pāshaʻ* (`{{H6586}}`), from which *peshaʻ* is derived. This verb describes the act of rebelling or transgressing, providing the dynamic action behind the noun.
As noted, *peshaʻ* often appears in parallel with other key terms for sin:
* **חַטָּאת (*chaṭṭa'th*, `{{H2403}}`):** "Sin" or "missing the mark." This term often denotes a failure to meet a standard, whether moral or ritual, and can encompass both intentional and unintentional acts.
* **עָוֹן (*ʻāwōn*, `{{H5771}}`):** "Iniquity" or "perversity." This term emphasizes the crookedness or distortion of moral character, and the guilt or punishment that results from such acts.
* **רֶשַׁע (*reshaʻ*, `{{H7562}}`):** "Wickedness" or "guilt." This term describes a state of being unrighteous or evil, often in a legal or ethical sense.
While all these terms relate to sin, *peshaʻ* distinctively emphasizes the element of *rebellion* and *breach of covenant*. It is an act of defiance against a superior, a breaking of trust, and a violation of an established relationship. This distinction is crucial for understanding the depth of human sinfulness as an affront to God's sovereignty and love.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *peshaʻ* is profound, highlighting several key aspects of the divine-human relationship:
1. **Gravity of Sin:** *Peshaʻ* underscores that sin is not merely a mistake or a weakness, but a deliberate act of rebellion against God's holy character and His just rule. It portrays sin as an act of treason against the Divine King, revealing the depth of human depravity and the seriousness of the offense.
2. **Relational Breach:** Because *peshaʻ* implies a breaking of covenant or a defiance of authority, it emphasizes the relational rupture caused by sin. It is a betrayal of trust, damaging the intimate fellowship God desires with His creation. This makes the concept of forgiveness of *peshaʻ* all the more powerful, as it signifies a restoration of a broken relationship.
3. **God's Justice and Mercy:** The consistent presence of *peshaʻ* in Scripture highlights God's unwavering justice in confronting human rebellion. Yet, it also magnifies His boundless mercy. Passages like [[Isaiah 43:25]] ("I, I am he who blots out your transgressions (*peshaʻ*) for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins") and [[Micah 7:18]] reveal God's willingness to forgive and pardon even the most defiant acts of rebellion, demonstrating His redemptive character.
4. **Necessity of Atonement:** The pervasive nature of *peshaʻ* in human experience points to humanity's inherent tendency to rebel against God. This deep-seated rebellion necessitates a divine solution for reconciliation, foreshadowing the atoning work that would ultimately address the root of human sin and restore the broken covenant.
### Summary
The Hebrew word פֶּשַׁע (*peshaʻ*, `{{H6588}}`) denotes a deliberate act of rebellion, a willful transgression, or a breach of covenant, distinguishing itself from other terms for sin by its emphasis on defiance against authority. Throughout the Old Testament, it describes both national and individual acts of revolt, particularly against God's divine law and covenant. Its frequent pairing with terms like *chaṭṭa'th* (sin, missing the mark) and *ʻāwōn* (iniquity, perversity) highlights *peshaʻ*'s unique focus on the intentional, rebellious nature of sin. Theologically, *peshaʻ* underscores the profound gravity of sin as an act of treason against God, the relational breach it causes, and simultaneously magnifies God's justice in condemning rebellion and His abundant mercy in offering forgiveness and restoration for those who turn from their transgressions.
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