The Hebrew Verb אָשַׁם: To Be Guilty or Offend
The Hebrew verb אָשַׁם (root: א-ש-ם) carries the core meaning of “to be guilty,” “to offend,” or “to bear guilt.” It is used frequently in the Hebrew Bible in both legal and cultic contexts. This verb is particularly important in discussions of sin, responsibility, atonement, and offerings, such as the אָשָׁם (guilt offering) described in…