Bible Dictionaries
Offense

Holman Bible Dictionary

Offense translates several Hebrew and Greek terms. The following two senses predominate: 1. That which causes indignation or disgust (Genesis 31:36 ). Here offense approximates crime (Deuteronomy 19:15; Deuteronomy 22:26 ), guilt (Hosea 5:15 ), trespass (Romans 5:15 ,Romans 5:15,5:17-18 ,Romans 5:17-18,5:20 ), or sin (2 Corinthians 11:7 ). The application of the image of the rock of offense to Christ is a special case of this sense (Romans 9:33; Galatians 5:11; 1 Peter 2:8 ). What was especially offensive was the claim that an accursed one was the Messiah and that faith in this crucified one and not works was necessary for salvation. 2. That which serves as a hindrance (Matthew 16:23 ) or obstacle (2 Corinthians 6:3 ). This hindrance is often temptation to sin (Matthew 18:7; Luke 17:1 ).