We have learned that our first step to becoming one of God's called,
chosen and faithful servants is to recognize that we are sinners (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8). But how does the Bible define sin? What is it?
The Bible clearly defines sin in several scriptures, each enhancing
our understanding. But, before we look at these passages, we should
first learn what the word sin means in the Bible languages.
Two broad concepts
The Hebrew and Greek words translated "sin" throughout the
Bible revolve around two major concepts. The first is that of transgression.
To transgress means "to step across" or "to go beyond
a set boundary or limit." This concept can be compared with an
athletic playing field with lines delineating the boundaries within
which the game is to be played. When a player crosses over boundaries,
he has committed a "transgression"; he has gone out of bounds.
Limits are set that define the playing area, and the players are to
keep inside the limits.
Most of the other words translated "sin" in the Bible involve
a second concept, "to miss the mark." Again, to use a sports
analogy, if a player aims for the goal and misses, how many points does
he get? None. He missed the goal, missed the mark at which he was aiming.
This view of sin includes the concept of our intending to go in one
direction but straying off course to the side and not continuing in
the direction we planned, with the result that we don't make it to the
goal we intended. We miss.
