What Is Sin (Günah)?

"Sin" is a word many have heard but whose content they do not fully know. This page summarizes, neutrally, what the word sin means in the Bible, how its origin is described and how the texts most often treat it together with repentance and forgiveness. Different Christian traditions interpret this subject in differing detail; this page does not defend any one interpretation but only describes the word's use in the texts.

What does the word "sin" mean in the Bible?

Among the words used for sin in the Bible's original languages, the best known is "hamartia" in the Greek of the New Testament; literally it means "to miss the mark," that is, to deviate from what is intended. In general the texts describe sin as a person's turning away from the righteousness and goodness that God desires. So the concept is used to cover both individual wrong actions and a general disposition underlying them.

How is the origin of sin described?

The Bible generally traces the origin of this deviation in the human condition to the account in its early chapters (Genesis 3, the passage referred to as the "fall"). How this account should be interpreted — as figurative, historical, or what it means theologically — is the subject of a long debate among different traditions. This page does not choose among these interpretations; it only shows where the text begins its account of the subject.

Is sin only individual actions?

When the biblical texts speak of sin, they often include not only individual wrong deeds but also a person's inner disposition. For example, some passages draw attention to the intention of the heart rather than merely to outward behavior. For this reason sin is used in the texts as a broad concept that can denote both particular things done and the attitude underlying them. Detailed definitions vary by tradition.

How are sin and forgiveness presented together?

Almost everywhere the Bible speaks of sin it also speaks of repentance and forgiveness; in the texts the two are usually linked. For example, some psalms express the sorrow felt after a wrong and the hope of starting over. So in the texts the concept of sin is presented not with despair but usually alongside a call to turn back and be forgiven. You can also find the theme of repentance on this site (in the Topics section).

Where can I read about the subject firsthand?

If you want to look at the subject firsthand, Genesis 3 for the origin account, Psalm 51 for the sorrow after a wrong and the hope of forgiveness, and the relevant chapters of the letter to the Romans for a broader treatment of the concept are good places to start. You can read these chapters here, free and ad-free, in their own context.

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Guides

What is sin?

In the Bible sin is generally described as a person's turning away from the righteousness and goodness that God desires. Its equivalent in New Testament Greek is the word "hamartia" (to miss the mark).

How is the origin of sin described?

The Bible usually presents this subject by tracing it to the account in its early chapters (Genesis 3, the "fall"). How this account is interpreted varies from tradition to tradition; this page does not defend any one interpretation.

How are sin and forgiveness related?

Almost everywhere the texts speak of sin they also speak of repentance and forgiveness; the two are usually linked. For example, some psalms express sorrow after a wrong and the hope of starting over.

Do different traditions define sin the same way?

No. Different Christian traditions interpret the definition and origin of sin in differing detail. This page does not choose among these interpretations; it only describes the word's general use in the biblical texts.

Where can I start reading about sin?

Genesis 3 for the origin account, Psalm 51 for sorrow and the hope of forgiveness, and the letter to the Romans for a broader treatment are good starting points. You can read these chapters here for free.