Trespass, Sin, Iniquity, and Abomination: Related But Distinct

Bible translation has helped all of us to access the word of God in languages we can understand other than the original languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. While we are grateful for translation and transliteration, it is often the case that there are words or concepts we struggle to make sense of after translation. 

Today, I want us to delve into the Biblical teaching on sin. 

Throughout Scripture, various terms describe human disobedience against God—trespass, sin, iniquity, and abomination. Though they are sometimes used interchangeably, each carries a unique meaning that highlights different aspects of rebellion against God’s law. Understanding these distinctions deepens our comprehension of God’s justice, mercy, and the necessity of redemption through Jesus Christ.

We’ll cover:

1. Trespass: Crossing the Boundary
2. Sin: Falling Short of God’s Standard
3. Iniquity: Perversion and Lawlessness
4. Abomination: What God Finds Detestable
5. Comparing the Four Terms
6. The Solution: Christ’s Atonement
7. Conclusion

Trespass: Crossing the Boundary

The concept of trespass is rooted in the idea of crossing a boundary or violating trust. The Hebrew word מַעַל (ma’al) and the Greek word παράπτωμα (paraptōma) both imply an act of unfaithfulness, often against God or His covenant.

Biblical Examples of Trespass

1. Leviticus 5:15 (NKJV) – “If a person commits a trespass, and sins unintentionally in regard to the holy things of the Lord, then he shall bring to the Lord as his trespass offering a ram without blemish from the flocks…”
   • Here, trespass involves misusing something sacred, requiring restitution.
2. Ephesians 2:1 (NKJV) – “And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins…”
   • Paul links trespasses and sins, showing that breaking God’s law results in spiritual death.

Trespass is more than just an act of disobedience—it signifies a breach of trust between God and humanity, whether intentional or unintentional.

Sin: Falling Short of God’s Standard

The general term sin comes from the Hebrew word חָטָא (chata’) and the Greek ἁμαρτία (hamartia), meaning “to miss the mark.” Sin is the failure to live according to God’s perfect righteousness, whether through actions, thoughts, or omissions.

Biblical Examples of Sin

1. Romans 3:23 (NKJV) – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
   • Sin is universal; every human has failed to meet God’s perfect standard.
2. Genesis 4:7 (NKJV) – “If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”
   • God warns Cain that sin is an active force seeking to dominate him.

Sin is not merely breaking a rule—it is a fundamental deviation from God’s nature and will.

Iniquity: Perversion and Lawlessness

The term iniquity signifies a deeper, more ingrained state of moral corruption. The Hebrew word עָוֹן (avon) and the Greek ἀνομία (anomia) describe an intentional twisting or perverting of God’s law. Unlike sin, which may involve ignorance or weakness, iniquity implies a willful and persistent rebellion.

Biblical Examples of Iniquity

1. Psalm 51:2 (NKJV) – “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.”
   • David acknowledges not only his sinful actions but the deep-seated iniquity in his heart.
2. Matthew 7:23 (NKJV) – “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness (anomia).’”
   • Jesus rebukes those who appear religious but live in persistent rebellion (iniquity).

Iniquity reflects a pattern of deliberate sin that corrupts the soul, leading to severe consequences unless repented.

Abomination: What God Finds Detestable

The strongest term in this list is abomination, which refers to something that God finds utterly detestable. The Hebrew תּוֹעֵבָה (to’evah) and the Greek βδέλυγμα (bdelugma) describe actions that provoke divine wrath, often associated with idolatry, sexual immorality, and extreme wickedness.

Biblical Examples of Abomination

1. Proverbs 6:16-19 (NKJV) – “These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood…”
   • Certain attitudes and actions are particularly offensive to God.
2. Leviticus 18:22 (NKJV) – “You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.”
   • This passage highlights that some sins are especially detestable due to their defilement of God’s created order.
3. Matthew 24:15 (NKJV) – “Therefore when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing in the holy place…”
   • Jesus references an event of great desecration, showing how abomination can relate to prophetic warnings.

While all sin separates humanity from God, abominations stand out as particularly grievous offenses.

Comparing the Four Terms

Term	Hebrew	Greek	Meaning	Example
Trespass	Ma’al	Paraptōma	Crossing a boundary, violating trust	Leviticus 5:15
Sin	Chata’	Hamartia	Falling short of God’s standard	Romans 3:23
Iniquity	Avon	Anomia	Twisting or perverting righteousness	Psalm 51:2
Abomination	To’evah	Bdelugma	Something detestable to God	Proverbs 6:16-19

The Solution: Christ’s Atonement

The weight of trespass, sin, iniquity, and abomination is overwhelming—but Scripture offers hope through Jesus Christ.

• Isaiah 53:5-6 (NKJV) – “But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
• 1 John 1:9 (NKJV) – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Through Christ’s sacrifice, every form of sin—whether a trespass, iniquity, or even an abomination—can be forgiven. True repentance and faith in Jesus restore us to a right relationship with God.

Conclusion

While trespass, sin, iniquity, and abomination are related concepts, they each highlight different aspects of human rebellion against God. Trespass signifies a breach of trust, sin is falling short of God’s righteousness, iniquity reflects deep corruption, and abomination represents extreme defilement.

Understanding these concepts distinctly helps us to appreciate the danger of tampering with sin and how much we need a Saviour. Only Christ can restore and fashion anew, character and life that has been destroyed by sin. 

Yet, no matter how serious our condition, God’s grace through Jesus Christ is sufficient to cleanse us. The call to repentance and salvation remains open—will you respond?

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