ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō)
hamartanō
to sin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 37 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb hamartanō literally means to miss the mark, a term originally used in archery and athletics to describe failing to hit a target or win a prize. In the New Testament, this physical image becomes a metaphor for moral failure, describing anyone who wanders from the path of uprightness and violates God’s law. It is the standard word for sinning, appearing frequently in Paul’s letters and the Johannine epistles to describe the universal human condition.
Its usage ranges from general error to specific transgressions against divine authority. The sources highlight how it appears in contexts like Jesus’ teaching that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) or John’s assertion that those who continue in sin do not know God (1 John 3:6). It can be used absolutely, as in "he sinned," or with prepositions to specify the direction of the error, such as sinning against Caesar or toward death.
A notable feature is its connection to the idea of missing a share in something valuable. While often translated simply as "sin," the underlying imagery suggests a failure to reach the intended standard of life God designed. This root meaning underscores that sin is not just breaking a rule, but failing to achieve the purpose for which one was created.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hamartanō carries the original image of an archer missing the target or a runner failing to cross the finish line. In Christian life, this means sin is not merely breaking a rule, but missing the mark of God’s glory and purpose for us. It describes the universal human condition where we fall short of the standard of love and holiness we were created to reflect.
Yet this definition offers comfort rather than despair. Because the problem is defined as missing a target, it implies there is a clear goal to strive toward. When we fail, as Jesus told the man at the pool of Bethesda, we are called simply to 'sin no more' (John 5:14). This is an invitation to realign our lives with God’s design, relying on grace to help us hit the mark again.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 37 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sinning5×
- having sinned3×
- shall sin2×
- is sinning2×
- have sinned,2×
- do sin;2×
- I have sinned2×
- you sin.1×
- you may sin;1×
- you did sin;1×
- will sin1×
- we have sinned,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἥμαρτον4×
- ἥμαρτον,2×
- ἁμαρτήσῃ2×
- ἁμαρτάνοντες2×
- ἁμαρτάνετε·2×
- ἁμαρτάνει·2×
- ἁμαρτάνει.2×
- ἥμαρτον·1×
- ἥμαρτον.¶1×
- ἥμαρτες·1×
- ἥμαρτεν·1×
- ἥμαρτεν,1×
Key Verses
-
Romans 3:23
for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God;
This verse establishes the universal scope of hamartanō, showing that 'all have sinned' and fall short of God's glory, confirming no one is exempt from this condition.
-
John 5:14
Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you are made well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse happens to you.”
Here Jesus uses the word as a direct command for moral renewal after physical healing, linking sin to future spiritual danger rather than just past guilt.
-
Luke 15:21
The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
The prodigal son’s confession highlights the relational aspect of hamartanō, acknowledging that his actions were an offense against heaven and his father's sight.
-
Romans 6:15
What then? Shall we sin because we are not under law but under grace? May it never be!
Paul uses this verb to refute the idea that grace encourages sinning, firmly stating that freedom from law does not mean freedom from moral responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Greek word hamartanō literally mean?
How is hamartanō different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (37 verses across 13 books)
Matthew 3 verses
“If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have…
Matthew 18:21Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven…
Matthew 27:4saying, “I have sinned in that I betrayed innocent blood.” But they said, “What is that to us? You see to it.”