TRANSGRESSION (פֶּ֫שַׁע, H7322, revolt, transgression; παράβασις, G4126, overstepping, transgression). The breaking of the law. There must be something to transgress before there can be transgression. There is a fine distinction between sin and transgression, for one who is under no express law may sin (Rom 5:13), but with the introduction of a law one commits transgression if that law is violated (Rom 4:15; 5:14; Gal 3:19). Hence, “sin” causes us to transgress (Rom 7:7, 13). Sin may be implicit disobedience but transgression is explicit disobedience.

Bibliography Trench, Synonyms, 244, 245; J. Schneider, TDNT, V, 739, 740.