Sin vs. Trespass: Addressing Nature vs. Damage in the Old Testament ⚖️
The Law mandated two primary sacrifices for unintentional offenses—the Sin Offering and the Trespass Offering—and understanding the Hebrew terms reveals a crucial theological difference in how God addresses the state of the individual versus the consequences of their action.
1. The Sin Offering: Addressing the Nature (Ḥaṭṭā’t)
- Hebrew Word: Ḥaṭṭā’t (חַטָּאת), commonly translated as “sin.”
- Literal Meaning: To “miss the mark” (as an archer would miss a target). It refers to the inherent failure or defect of nature that causes the sinful act.
- Theological Focus: The Sin Offering was entirely focused on atoning for the person’s state of defilement or failure before a holy God. It cleansed the individual and the sanctuary from the stain of sin. The benefit went entirely to the individual’s standing with God.
- Key Law Detail: The priest who offered the sacrifice would eat part of the offering inside the holy place, emphasizing the transfer of the sin to the sanctuary for cleansing.
2. The Trespass Offering: Addressing the Damage (‘Āšām)
- Hebrew Word: ‘Āšām (אָשָׁם), commonly translated as “trespass” or “guilt.”
- Literal Meaning: To be “made desolate” or to suffer “guilt” (implying the liability for damage). It refers to the specific, measurable harm done to a neighbor or to God’s holy property.
- Theological Focus: The Trespass Offering was focused on making restitution for the measurable damage. It required both the sacrifice and a payment of full restitution plus an added penalty of twenty percent (Leviticus 6:5). The benefit went to the damaged party.
- Key Law Detail: The ritual was not complete until the damage was financially compensated, demonstrating the need to repair the consequences of the sin in the temporal realm.
The Eschatological Conclusion
Christ’s sacrifice is the ultimate fulfillment of both:
- He is the Sin Offering (Ḥaṭṭā’t): His death cleanses our nature—removing the stain and failure of sin so we can be made righteous before God.
- He is the Trespass Offering (‘Āšām): His redemption provides full restitution—paying the complete penalty and twenty percent interest to satisfy the just demands of God’s law, repairing the damage done to God’s honor and creation.
The final judgment will address both: the nature of the unrighteous person and the damage they caused to the order of God’s universe.
The Return Question
If the Trespass Offering required 120% payment to satisfy the debt and repair the damage, what specific act of restitution or restoration—for a relationship you damaged or a promise you broke—are you neglecting, relying only on forgiveness for your nature but failing to repair the damage in the present?