The Bible presents sin and evil as humanity’s most fundamental problems. It uses a variety of terms to describe sin, each highlighting a distinct aspect of its nature. By examining some of these commonly used words, we can gain a deeper understanding of what sin truly is.
Being broken
One of the most common biblical words for sin is the Hebrew root רָעַע (ra’a). This word is often translated as “evil,” but also conveys the idea of being “broken.” This suggests that sin and evil are forms of brokenness. As a result, sinful people are no longer able to live the life God originally intended for them.
We find an example in Genesis 6:5, where “the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”
Missing the mark
Another commonly used word is חָטָא (chata). This means “to miss the mark” (as when throwing a spear) or “to miss the right path”.
For an example, read Psalm 119:10-11, where the poet asks God:
“With my whole heart I seek You;
let me not wander from Your commandments!
I have stored up Your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against You.”
In the New Testament, which was originally written in Greek, the same concept is expressed by the word ἁμαρτία. A famous example is Romans 5:12, “Sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.”
Rebellion against God
The root פָּשַׁע (pasja) refers to rebellion against authority. This term can be used in a political context, describing uprisings against a king or resistance to oppressive rule. For example, 2 Kings 8:20 states, “Edom revolted from the rule of Judah and set up a king of their own.”
When it comes to personal relationships, the same word describes a lack of faithfulness and integrity, leading to a loss of trust. In a similar way, humanity lives in rebellion against God, often resisting His authority and being unfaithful to Him. This idea occurs throughout Scripture, for example in Isaiah 1:2,
“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth;
for the Lord has spoken:
‘Children have I reared and brought up,
but they have rebelled against Me.’”
Wickedness
Another commonly used word isרָשַׁע (rasja), which implies acting wickedly and being condemned as guilty. See Proverbs 17:15, “He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous are both alike an abomination to the Lord.”
The term is often applied to human interactions—for instance, when a “wicked person” commits murder or when “wicked rulers” oppress others. Yet wickedness is not only a social offense; it also brings judgment from God. “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” (Psalm 1:6)
Crookedness or perversion
The root עָוָה means “to bend” or “to make crooked”. It refers to the distortion of something that was originally beautiful and good. In a figurative sense, it conveys the ideas of perversity and iniquity. The Old Testament uses the word עָוָה over 200 times to describe sin. In 1 Chronicles 21:8, King David prays to God: “I have sinned greatly (here he uses the word חָטָא, chata) in that I have done this thing. But now, please take away the iniquity of your servant, for I have acted very foolishly.”
Conclusion
There are additional terms used in Scripture to describe sinful behavior, but the ones discussed here are the most common. In practice, the different words for sin often overlap. This is evident in Daniel’s prayer for his people: “O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments, we have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled, turning aside from your commandments and rules.” (Daniel 9:4-5).
Yet, despite the many ways in which we sin, God is willing to forgive. He reveals Himself as “the Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin” (Exodus 34:6-7). Let us give thanks for His amazing grace!