The concept expressed by “overtaken” developed from the action of taking or receiving with an anticipation. With the addition of the prefix meaning before, it conveys “to take before.” Thereby signifying the act, or the receiving, of something in advance of an expected time.
A trespass is not specifically defined in Scripture. However, sin, transgression, and the process by which a sin is produced are all defined and extensively discussed. Sin is doing lawlessness (1 John 3:4). A transgression is a sin that requires law (Romans 4:15). Trespass and sin are not the same things (Ephesians 2:1). Since sin is always exterior to the body (1 Corinthians 6:18), and before sin is birthed a conception has to happen (James 1:14-15), it is reasonable to understand that a trespass happens within the mind. Thus, when a man is caught in a trespass, this signifies that the determination to fulfill the strong desire was already set in his mind before the opportunity presented itself.
While Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman brought a flask of spikenard, broke it, and poured it over His head. Her action shows “overtaken” by acting before the expected time. She came early to anoint His body for burial (Mark 14:8).
The concept of being overtaken is also used to call out a selfish act of taking food in advance of others (1 Corinthians 11:21). Paul calls out the saints in Corinth for taking food before the appointed time so they could get more. This showed a lack of concern for other saints.
To be “overtaken” signifies the preemptive act of taking or receiving something in advance of an expected time. It may relate to an internal state of anticipation, or an action rooted in anticipation.
