ἁμαρτάνω

I sin

Definition

The verb ἁμαρτάνω fundamentally means 'to miss the mark' or 'to fail to reach a goal.' In the New Testament, this develops into the primary sense of 'to sin,' which is to fail morally or to transgress God's law (John 5:14). It can denote a general state of sinfulness (Romans 3:23) or specific, individual acts of wrongdoing, whether against God (Luke 15:18, 21) or against other people (Matthew 18:15). In some contexts, it carries the nuance of making a mistake or being at fault, as in Matthew 18:21 where a brother 'sins against' another.

Biblical Usage

ἁμαρτάνω is used 37 times across the Gospels, Acts, and the Epistles, with significant concentration in Luke's writings (e.g., Luke 15, 17) and John's Gospel. It frequently appears in ethical and relational teachings about sin, repentance, and forgiveness. A key pattern is its use in dialogues about personal offense and reconciliation (Matthew 18:15, 21; Luke 17:3-4). It also appears in theological declarations about universal human sinfulness (Romans 3:23; 5:12, 14).

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and a root related to hitting a target or share (as in meros, 'part'). Its core idea is literally 'to miss' or 'to fail to share in.' This concrete image of missing a mark evolved into the abstract moral and spiritual concept of 'sinning.'

Semantic Range

This word is central to the biblical doctrine of sin. Its etymology enriches the concept: sin is not just breaking a rule but a fundamental failure to live up to God's purpose and standard (Romans 3:23). It underscores the universal human condition requiring redemption. Understanding this Greek term highlights that sin is both an active rebellion and a passive falling short, which is why all need God's grace through Christ.

The original 'missing the mark' metaphor was drawn from archery and other target-based activities common in Greek culture. This provided a vivid, tangible picture of failure that a first-century audience would immediately grasp. The transition from a simple mistake to a profound moral and spiritual failure reflects the Hebrew biblical concept of sin (חָטָא, chata) that the New Testament authors were conveying.

παραβαίνω (parabainō, G3845) — to transgress, cross a boundary; παραπτώμα (paraptōma, G3900) — a trespass, false step, falling aside; ἀδικέω (adikeō, G91) — to do wrong, act unjustly; ἀνομία (anomia, G458) — lawlessness, iniquity (more about the principle of rebellion).

Word Details

Scripture References