1. Etymology and Terminology of Sin
1.1 Hebrew and Greek Roots
The biblical terms for sin convey the notion of deviation from a divinely defined standard.
In the Hebrew Bible, the principal word is ḥaṭṭā’th (חַטָּאָה), derived from the verb ḥāṭā’—“to miss the mark” (Strong, 1990). It implies failing to meet the moral or relational expectations established by God. Other Hebrew terms, such as peshaʿ (rebellion) and ʿāwōn (iniquity), extend the meaning to wilful transgression and moral distortion (Kittel & Friedrich, 1964).
In the Greek New Testament, the primary equivalent is hamartia (ἁμαρτία), also meaning “missing the target,” together with parabasis (transgression) and anomia (lawlessness) (Thayer, 1889). These words illustrate sin as both failure and defiance—falling short of God’s righteousness (Romans 3:23) and crossing established boundaries (1 John 3:4).
1.2 Etymological Meaning: “Missing the Mark”
The metaphor of “missing the mark” portrays human conduct aimed away from its true telos—communion with God (Augustine, 1998). Sin, therefore, is not merely an error in judgement but an ethical misdirection: the will choosing self over divine purpose. The imagery also underlines moral responsibility; an arrow that misses implies deliberate aim and intent.
1.3 The Concept of Law and Transgression
To understand sin, one must first recognise law (nomos) as the moral order reflecting God’s character (Romans 7:12). Transgression occurs when an act violates that order. The Ten Commandments embody this universal moral code (Exodus 20:1–17). Paul asserts that “through the law comes knowledge of sin” (Romans 3:20), identifying law as diagnostic rather than redemptive. Consequently, the law functions as a mirror, revealing deviation from divine holiness but possessing no power to cleanse it (Calvin, 1559).
2. Purpose of the Study of Sin (Hamartiology)
2.1 Relation to Theology Proper and Soteriology
Within systematic theology, the doctrine of sin—hamartiology—serves as the necessary bridge between theology proper (the study of God) and soteriology (the study of salvation). Understanding sin’s nature illuminates why redemption through Christ is indispensable. Barth (1932) emphasises that sin can be grasped only in light of divine holiness: it is the contradiction of God’s “Yes” to creation. Without recognising this contradiction, the grace of salvation loses its meaning (Romans 5:8).
2.2 Why Understanding Sin Is Essential for Understanding Grace
A proper doctrine of sin safeguards against both moralism and relativism. If sin is underestimated, grace is trivialised; if it is denied, redemption becomes unnecessary. The Apostle Paul argues that “where sin increased, grace abounded all the more” (Romans 5:20 NRSV). Thus, knowledge of sin magnifies appreciation of grace. The study of sin exposes humanity’s inability to achieve righteousness by works and reveals dependence upon divine mercy (Ephesians 2:8–9).
Hamartiology therefore performs a dual role: it convicts the conscience and prepares the heart for the Gospel. As Luther (1520) wrote, “The recognition of sin is the beginning of salvation.” It teaches that law and grace are not rivals but sequential revelations—law exposes, grace restores. To ignore the doctrine of sin is to misread the drama of redemption, for only those who understand their fall can comprehend the necessity of a Mediator.
References
- Augustine (1998) Confessions, trans. H. Chadwick. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
- Barth, K. (1932) Church Dogmatics II/1: The Doctrine of God. Edinburgh: T & T Clark.
- Calvin, J. (1559) Institutes of the Christian Religion. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1989 edn.
- Kittel, G. and Friedrich, G. (eds) (1964) Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Vol. I. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans.
- Luther, M. (1520) Works, Vol. 31. Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1960 edn.
- Strong, J. (1990) Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
- Thayer, J. H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. New York: Harper & Brothers.
- The Holy Bible (NRSV, 2011). London: HarperCollins.