# Connecting Statement:

Paul reminds the believers of their past and the way they now are before God.

# you were dead in your trespasses and sins

This speaks of sinful people being unable to obey God as if they were people who were physically dead. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-metaphor]])

# in your trespasses and sins

The words "trespasses" and "sins" have similar meanings. Paul uses them together to emphasize the greatness of the people's sin. They can also be translated using the verbs "trespass" and "sin," respectively. Alternate translation: "because you had trespassed and sinned" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/jit/figs-abstractnouns]])