חֵטְא

a crime or its penalty

Definition

The Hebrew noun חֵטְא (chêṭᵉʼ) fundamentally denotes a 'sin' or 'offense,' primarily against God or His law. It can refer to the sinful act itself, as in the butler's confession of his 'fault' before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:9). It also frequently signifies the guilt or penalty incurred by such an act, such as the 'punishment of sin' borne by those who eat holy offerings while unclean (Leviticus 22:9). In some contexts, it describes the state of being guilty or bearing the consequences of wrongdoing, as seen when the whole congregation bears the 'sin' of an individual's unintentional error (Numbers 18:22).

Biblical Usage

חֵטְא is used 33 times, predominantly in the Pentateuch (Genesis, Leviticus, Numbers), with a strong concentration in Leviticus's legal and ritual texts. It appears in contexts of personal confession (Genesis 41:9), communal responsibility (Numbers 18:22), and the serious consequences of violating ritual purity or divine commands (Leviticus 20:20; 22:9). The usage consistently links the concept of a wrongful act with its resulting guilt or required penalty, especially in priestly and sacrificial settings.

Etymology

Derived from the root verb חָטָא (chāṭāʼ, H2398), meaning 'to miss the mark,' 'to err,' or 'to sin.' The noun חֵטְא carries forward this core idea of deviation from a standard—specifically, God's standard of right. It is part of a key word family in the Old Testament for discussing sin, guilt, and atonement.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as a primary term for 'sin' in the Old Testament. It captures sin not just as an abstract concept but as a concrete act with real consequences—both guilt and penalty. Understanding חֵטְא enriches reading by highlighting how sin disrupts relationships with God and community, necessitating atonement. It lays the groundwork for the New Testament's teaching on sin and the need for a sacrifice to bear its penalty, ultimately fulfilled in Christ.

In ancient Israel's culture, חֵטְא was understood within a framework of covenant relationship with Yahweh. An offense was not merely a private moral failure but a breach of sacred community and ritual order. The strong association with penalty, especially in priestly texts, reflects a worldview where wrongdoing had tangible, often communal, consequences that required specific remedies (sacrifices, restitution) to restore holiness and right standing.

עָוֹן (ʿāwōn, H5771) — emphasizes the guilt or iniquity of the act, often with a sense of crookedness. פֶּשַׁע (peshaʿ, H6588) — denotes a rebellious transgression or willful breach of trust. אָשָׁם (ʾāshām, H817) — specifically refers to a guilt-offering or the feeling of guilt requiring restitution.

Word Details

Scripture References