Hebrew word for transgression or rebellion, about 95 times. Strongest of three main sin words. While chattath is missing the mark and avon is crookedness, pesha is deliberate rebellion — willful breaking of relationship with God.
A pesha is not accident but revolt. When Israel 'transgressed' the covenant (Josh 7:11), they consciously chose disloyalty. Prophets charge Israel with pesha as covenant rebellion: 'For three transgressions and for four...' (Amos 1-2). Yet even pesha is forgivable — God 'pardons transgression' (Mic 7:18).
Implies broken relationship requiring reconciliation. In political usage, describes vassal's rebellion against suzerain (2 Kgs 3:7). Applied to divine-human relationship, depicts sin at its most defiant. Suffering Servant was 'wounded for our transgressions' (Isa 53:5).