ἁμαρτία

a sin

Definition

ἁμαρτία fundamentally means 'missing the mark' or 'falling short,' originally describing an archery term. In the New Testament, it develops into the primary word for 'sin,' encompassing both the general state of human guilt and separation from God (Romans 3:23) and specific sinful acts (1 John 3:4). It can also refer to the personified power of sin that enslaves humanity (Romans 6:12) and, in the plural, to the accumulated record of transgressions (Colossians 2:13). The word's breadth covers the condition, the actions, and the dominion of rebellion against God's will.

Biblical Usage

ἁμαρτία is used throughout the New Testament, with heavy concentration in Paul's letters (e.g., Romans) and John's writings. It appears in diverse contexts: describing individual acts (Matthew 12:31), the universal human condition (Romans 3:23), the power from which believers are freed (Romans 6:18), and that which Christ came to take away (John 1:29). A key pattern is its use in salvation formulas, where Christ's death is 'for sin' (Romans 8:3) or to 'forgive sins' (Matthew 26:28).

Etymology

Derived from the prefix ἀ- (a-, meaning 'not' or 'without') and the root likely related to *mer- (as in μέρος, 'part' or 'share'), implying a failure to share in or hit a target. The cognate verb ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō) means 'to miss' or 'to err.' Its meaning evolved from a general failure or error into the specific theological concept of moral failure before God.

Semantic Range

This is a central theological term. It defines the core human problem Christ came to solve. Understanding ἁμαρτία as more than just 'bad deeds'—encompassing a state of being and a enslaving power—deepens comprehension of salvation. It clarifies why forgiveness (for acts) and liberation (from power) are both necessary, as seen in teachings on Christ's atoning sacrifice (Romans 8:3) and the believer's new life (Romans 6:1-2).

In the Greco-Roman world, the word could denote a general error, failure, or mistake without the heavy moral/religious weight it carries in the Bible. The New Testament, influenced by the Hebrew concept of 'pesha' (transgression) and 'chatta'ah' (sin), infused ἁμαρτία with a profound sense of offense against a holy God and a violation of covenant relationship, which was a distinctive Judeo-Christian development.

παράπτωμα (paraptōma, G3900) — a false step, trespass, or specific transgression. ἀνομία (anomia, G458) — lawlessness, the condition of being without law. ἀδικία (adikia, G93) — unrighteousness, injustice, a broader term for wrongdoing. παρακοή (parakoē, G3876) — disobedience, specifically a failure to hear or heed.

Word Details

Scripture References