Original Word: פֶשַׂע
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: pesa`
Pronunciation: peh'-shah
Phonetic Spelling: (peh'-sah)
KJV: step
NASB: step
Word Origin: [from H6585 (פָּשַׂע - step)]

1. a stride

step

From pasa'; a stride -- step.

see HEBREW pasa'

Word Origin
from pasa
Definition
a step
NASB Translation
step (1).

מֶּ֫שַׂע noun [masculine] step; בֵינִי וּבֵין הַמָּ֑וֶת׳כְּפ 1 Samuel 20:3).

Scriptural Occurrence

Only once in the Old Testament—1 Samuel 20:3—David raises the possibility of a “crime” or “transgression” that might justify Saul’s murderous pursuit: “But David again swore, ‘Your father knows very well that I have found favor in your sight… Yet as surely as the LORD lives and as you yourself live, there is but a step between me and death’” (Berean Standard Bible).

Context in 1 Samuel

1. David’s protest of innocence exposes Saul’s hostility as groundless and sinful.
2. Jonathan, acting as covenant mediator, affirms David’s integrity (20:4) and prepares to test Saul.
3. The passage highlights the tension between the rejected king (Saul) and the anointed successor (David), foreshadowing divine vindication.

Theological Themes

Judicial Self-Examination

David invites scrutiny: “What is my transgression?” (compare Psalm 139:23-24). Scripture elevates honest confession while rejecting false charges (Deuteronomy 19:15).

Covenant Justice

Israel’s social order demanded proof before punishment. Saul’s baseless aggression violates Torah and reveals rebellion against God’s choice (1 Samuel 15:23; 28:18).

Foreshadowing the Righteous Sufferer

David’s innocence under threat anticipates Jesus Christ, the greater Son of David, who likewise suffered without “transgression” (John 8:46; 1 Peter 2:22-23).

Historical Background

In the Ancient Near East, “transgression” denoted breach of covenant law demanding restitution. Israelite kings were to uphold, not distort, justice (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Saul’s conduct signals his final descent and David’s impending ascent.

Ministerial Application

• Examine personal sin honestly while rejecting unwarranted guilt.
• Defend the falsely accused, imitating Jonathan’s advocacy (Proverbs 31:8-9).
• Endure wrongful hostility with faith that God vindicates the righteous (Romans 12:19).

Related Concepts

Sin (chattat)—missing the mark.

Iniquity (avon)—guilt and its consequences.

Rebellion (marah)—defiance against divine authority.

Together with “transgression,” these terms reveal humanity’s need for the atoning work fulfilled in Christ.

כְפֶ֔שַׂע כפשע cheFesa ḵə·p̄e·śa‘ ḵəp̄eśa‘Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts