Presumption

Presumption in biblical usage denotes the arrogant overstepping of proper boundaries in relation to God — acting as if one has rights or guarantees one does not possess, or as if God's mercy makes obedience optional. The Mosaic law distinguished between sins committed "unintentionally" (for which atonement was available) and sins committed "with a high hand" (presumptuously), for which there was no sacrifice — such a person "reproaches the LORD" and must be cut off (Num. 15:30–31). The psalmist prays to be kept from presumptuous sins that would have great power over him (Ps. 19:13).

Israel's attempt to enter Canaan after the negative spy report — against God's explicit word — is a paradigmatic example: they went up "presumptuously" and were defeated (Num. 14:44; Deut. 1:43). The false prophet who speaks without divine commission also acts presumptuously (Deut. 18:20). In the NT, the temptation of Jesus to throw himself from the temple pinnacle — expecting miraculous rescue — is a form of presumption that tests God rather than trusting him (Matt. 4:6–7).