The meaning of “ἁμαρτία”
Understanding hamartía reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
offence, sin(-ful). - a sin (properly abstract)
ἁμαρτία
offence, sin(-ful). - a sin (properly abstract)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 9:5 | “For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and walk?” Word: ἁμαρτία (hamartía) | |
| Acts 10:43 | “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Word: ἁμαρτία (hamartía) | |
| Galatians 2:17 | “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.” Word: ἁμαρτία (hamartía) | |
| 2 Thessalonians 2:3 | “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;” Word: ἁμαρτία (hamartía) | |
| James 4:17 | “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin. ” Word: ἁμαρτία (hamartía) |
Usage Statistics
Theological Word Study: Sin
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Sin, missing the mark
The Hebrew chatta'ah (חַטָּאת) means sin—missing the mark of God's standard. It encompasses rebellion, transgression, and falling short of divine holiness.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Sin, missing the mark
The Greek hamartia (ἁμαρτία) means sin—missing the target of God's perfection. 'All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3:23), requiring Christ's atoning sacrifice.