Bible Lexicons

Girdlestone's Synonyms of the Old TestamentGirdlestone's OT Synonyms

Trespass-Offering

The trespass-offering [If trespass is the right word for Asham, the word guilt should be changed; but if on the whole guilt gives the best idea, it would be best to render the word here the guilt-offering; otherwise the English reader loses the connection between the offence and the offering.] is Asham (אשׁם ). Here, as in the case of the sin-offering, the offence and the sacrifice are identical in name. The exact nature of the trespass or guilt indicated by this word has already been discussed (see chap. vi). The trespass-offering of the Philistines, mentioned several times in 1 Samuel 6:1-21., is called βάσανος, torment, in the LXX; but the general rendering is πλημμελεία, a discord or mistake in Isaiah 53:10, where the A. V. and R. V. read 'Thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin,' Asham is used, thus extending the efficacy of Christ's sacrifice to the class of sin designated by this Hebrew word. The LXX, however, renders the wording περὶ ἁμαρτίας. It also occurs in Proverbs 14:9, 'Fools make a mock at sin.' These words have received various renderings. We might translate 'Fools scorn the trespass-offering,' or perhaps, ' as for fools, (God) scorneth their trespass-offering; but among the upright there is acceptance.' See R. V.