Sin
Category
Sin & Human Condition
Biblical Definition
Any failure to conform to God's holy character and law in nature, desire, thought, word, or deed; rebellion against Him and falling short of His glory.
Origin(s)
Hebrew: חָטָא / חַטָּאת; Greek: ἁμαρτία
Transliteration
ḥāṭā'; ḥaṭṭā't; hamartia
Literal meaning
to miss, to sin; sin, offense, missing the mark
Key Scripture(s)
Genesis 39:9; Psalm 51:4; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12; 1 John 3:4
Theological Significance
Sin explains humanity's alienation from God, corruption, guilt, and need for salvation. Scripture presents sin not merely as isolated acts but also as a reigning power from which Christ delivers His people.
Common Misunderstanding(s)
Sin is not merely weakness, immaturity, or a social mistake. Biblically it is fundamentally against God, even when its effects are seen in human relationships.
Practical Application
A right view of sin leads to repentance, dependence on grace, vigilance against temptation, and compassion toward other sinners without minimizing evil.