Three words are used to described Israel’s sin. The first term is transgression,
(pěšǎ), which refers to a criminal offence. This refers to the most heinous and rebellious sins of the people toward God. This term is used most often to refer to the willful transgression of the covenant with the Lord. The second term is sin
(ḥǎṭṭaṯ). This is a generic term for all kinds of wrongdoing, both against God and other humans. Finally, the term uncleanness
(ṯûmāh), speaks of ritual impurity.
16 C'est ainsi qu'il fera l'expiation pour le sanctuaire à cause des impuretés des enfants d'Israël et de toutes les transgressions par lesquelles ils ont péché. Il fera de même pour la tente d'assignation, qui est avec eux au milieu de leurs impuretés.