The Greek verb parabainō (παραβαίνω) means to step beside or past, and thus to transgress or violate a boundary or commandment. It combines para (beside) and bainō (to go, step). The related noun parabasis means transgression — stepping over a defined boundary. This word captures sin as boundary-crossing rather than mere failure.
Parabainō and its noun parabasis contribute significantly to Paul's theology of law and sin. Romans 4:15 declares: 'where there is no law there is no transgression (parabasis)' — indicating that law defines the boundary that makes violation possible. The Law's function includes making sin concrete as actual transgression. Galatians 3:19 notes the Law was added 'because of transgressions.' In Matthew 15:2–3, the Pharisees accused Jesus's disciples of transgressing tradition while Jesus exposed their transgression of God's commandment. The word reveals the relational dimension of sin: it is a violation of God's defined boundary, an act against His covenant.