רֶשַׁע

a wrong (especially moral)

Definition

The Hebrew noun רֶשַׁע (reshaʻ) refers to a moral wrong, wickedness, or iniquity. It describes actions, conditions, or persons characterized by a deliberate departure from God's standards of justice and righteousness. In some contexts, it denotes the concrete evil deeds themselves (Psalm 5:4), while in others it signifies the resulting state of guilt or punishment (Psalm 10:15). The word often appears in contrast to צֶדֶק (tsedeq, 'righteousness'), highlighting a fundamental biblical dichotomy between good and evil.

Biblical Usage

רֶשַׁע is used throughout the Old Testament, appearing in legal, wisdom, and poetic literature. It frequently describes the character and actions of the wicked, as in the Psalms (e.g., Psalm 5:4, 10:15) and Job (e.g., Job 34:8, 10). In historical narratives, it can refer to specific treacherous acts, as when David speaks of not lifting his hand against 'wickedness' (1 Samuel 24:13). The word is also used in prayers of confession, acknowledging corporate guilt (Deuteronomy 9:27).

Etymology

Derived from the root verb רָשַׁע (rāshaʻ, H7561), which means 'to be wicked,' 'to act wickedly,' or 'to condemn as guilty.' The noun form רֶשַׁע thus carries the sense of the condition or product of wicked behavior. Cognates in related Semitic languages support the core meaning of wrongdoing or injustice.

Semantic Range

רֶשַׁע is a theologically significant term for understanding sin in the Old Testament. It emphasizes the active, willful nature of evil—a conscious choice to rebel against God's moral order. This concept underpins the biblical doctrine of human depravity and the need for divine justice. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by clarifying that God's opposition to 'wickedness' (as in Psalm 45:7) is not merely against abstract evil but against concrete, culpable acts of injustice. It highlights the seriousness of sin and the basis for God's judgment and the need for atonement.

In ancient Israelite culture, רֶשַׁע was understood not just as a private moral failing but as a social and covenantal breach that disrupted the community's relationship with God. It often implied actions that harmed the community's peace (shalom) and violated covenant loyalty. This contrasts with some modern individualistic views of wrongdoing.

עָווֹן (ʻāvôn, H5771) — emphasizes guilt or iniquity as a bending or twisting from a standard; חַטָּאת (chaṭṭāʼth, H2403) — focuses on missing the mark or failing a goal; פֶּשַׁע (peshaʻ, H6588) — stresses rebellion or transgression against authority.

Word Details

Scripture References