Overview
The Bible addresses trespass across 17 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus, Matthew and Luke. Closely related themes include Ox, the, Damages and Compensation, Restitution and Homicide.
Key Bible verses about trespass
Old Testament
Exodus
If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.
But if the ox were wont to push with his horn in time past, and it hath been testified to his owner, and he hath not kept him in, but that he hath killed a man or a woman; the ox shall be stoned, and his owner also shall be put to death.
If there be laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give for the ransom of his life whatsoever is laid upon him.
Whether he have gored a son, or have gored a daughter, according to this judgment shall it be done unto him.
If the ox shall push a manservant or a maidservant; he shall give unto their master thirty shekels of silver, and the ox shall be stoned.
And if a man shall open a pit, or if a man shall dig a pit, and not cover it, and an ox or an ass fall therein;
The owner of the pit shall make it good, and give money unto the owner of them; and the dead beast shall be his.
And if one man's ox hurt another's, that he die; then they shall sell the live ox, and divide the money of it; and the dead ox also they shall divide.
Or if it be known that the ox hath used to push in time past, and his owner hath not kept him in; he shall surely pay ox for ox; and the dead shall be his own.
For all manner of trespass, whether it be for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, or for any manner of lost thing, which another challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; and whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.
New Testament
Matthew
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.
And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
Studying trespass for yourself
- Begin with Exodus 21:28, then read the passages below in canonical order.
- Compare how Exodus, Matthew and Luke each treat the theme.
- Widen the study to related themes: Ox, the, Damages and Compensation, Restitution and Homicide.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Bible say about trespass?
The Bible addresses trespass across 17 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Exodus, Matthew and Luke. Closely related themes include Ox, the, Damages and Compensation, Restitution and Homicide.
How many Bible verses are about trespass?
The Bible references trespass in 17 verses (King James Version).
Where does the Bible first mention trespass?
In canonical order, the first of these passages is Exodus 21:28: “If an ox gore a man or a woman, that they die: then the ox shall be surely stoned, and his flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be quit.”
Preach & teach
Outline a sermon or build a study series on trespass.
Preach a series on Trespass →