Original Word: אָשֵׁם
Part of Speech: Adjective
Transliteration: ashem
Pronunciation: ah-shem
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-shame')
Definition: To be guilty, to offend, to trespass
Meaning: guilty, presenting a, sin-offering

one which is faulty, guilty

From 'asham; guilty; hence, presenting a sin- offering -- one which is faulty, guilty.

see HEBREW 'asham

Word Origin
from asham
Definition
guilty
NASB Translation
guilty (2), offense (1), one who (1), one who is guilty (1).

אָשֵׁם adjective guilty, ׳א absolute 2 Samuel 14:13; plural אֲשֵׁמִים אֶלאָֿחִינוּ Genesis 42:21 (E); guilty, and so bound to offer a trespass-offering Ezra 10:19; but read probably וַאֲשָׁמָם, so Kue^{Chronol. see h. Perzische Tijdvak, 1890, 43}.

Word Origin: A primitive root

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The concept of guilt and offerings in the Hebrew Bible finds its counterpart in the Greek New Testament, particularly in terms such as ἁμαρτία (hamartia • Strong's Greek 266), which means "sin," and προσφορά (prosphora • Strong's Greek 4376), meaning "offering." These Greek terms capture the essence of sin and the necessity of offerings for atonement, paralleling the Hebrew understanding encapsulated in אָשֵׁם.

Usage: The word אָשֵׁם is used in the context of acknowledging guilt or wrongdoing and often involves the presentation of a sin-offering as a means of atonement. It appears in various forms throughout the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing the concept of guilt and the necessity of making restitution or atonement.

Context: The Hebrew term אָשֵׁם is deeply rooted in the sacrificial system of ancient Israel, where it denotes both the state of being guilty and the prescribed remedy for such a state through offerings. In the Levitical law, the guilt offering (also known as the trespass offering) was a specific type of sacrifice required when an individual committed an offense against the Lord or another person, whether intentionally or unintentionally. This offering was distinct from other sacrifices, such as the burnt offering or peace offering, as it specifically addressed the need for atonement and restitution.

The concept of אָשֵׁם is illustrated in several passages throughout the Old Testament. For example, in Leviticus 5:5-6 (BSB), it is written: "If someone incurs guilt in one of these ways, he must confess the sin he has committed, and he must bring his guilt offering to the LORD for the sin he has committed: a female from the flock, either a lamb or a goat, as a sin offering. And the priest will make atonement for him for his sin."

The guilt offering served not only as a means of atonement but also as a tangible acknowledgment of one's wrongdoing and a commitment to making amends. This reflects the broader biblical theme of repentance and reconciliation with God and others.

אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים ׀ אשמים וַאֲשֵׁמִ֥ים ואשמים כְּאָשֵׁ֔ם כאשם ’ă·šê·mîm ’ăšêmîm asheMim kə’āšêm kə·’ā·šêm keaShem vaasheMim wa’ăšêmîm wa·’ă·šê·mîmInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts