ἁμαρτία (hamartia)
hamartia
sin
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 151 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The Greek noun hamartia literally means "missing the mark," a term that originally described an archer failing to hit a target. In biblical usage, it shifts from physical inaccuracy to ethical failure, describing any action or state that falls short of God’s standard. It covers both individual wrongful acts and the broader condition of being separated from divine righteousness.
The word often functions as a powerful personification. Paul describes sin not just as a list of mistakes but as a ruling power that enslaves humanity, using images like "sin reigned" in death or acting as a law within human members (Romans 5:21; 7:23). This highlights the overwhelming force of sin as a systemic reality rather than merely isolated errors.
Translators usually render hamartia simply as "sin," though it can also refer to specific sinful deeds or the collective weight of wrongdoing. John uses this singular form when speaking of Jesus as the one who takes away "the sin of the world" (John 1:29), emphasizing a comprehensive solution to a pervasive problem.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word hamartia carries the image of an archer missing a target. In Scripture, it describes not just individual mistakes but a state of falling short of God’s glory. This term helps us understand that sin is more than a list of bad actions; it is a condition that separates us from the standard of divine righteousness.
Yet the biblical narrative does not leave us in this gap. The Gospels show Jesus addressing this reality directly. In Matthew 1:21, the angel announces that Jesus will save his people from their sins. This promise offers hope because it points to a Savior who bridges the distance between human failure and God’s perfect holiness.
Understanding hamartia clarifies why grace is so essential. We cannot hit the mark on our own, but Christ provides the way back. This word reminds us that our need for forgiveness is universal, making the gift of salvation available to all who seek it.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 151 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- sin48×
- sins43×
- sin.11×
- of sin10×
- of sins9×
- sin,8×
- sins.5×
- sins,5×
- of sins.5×
- a sin3×
- to sin,2×
- to sin2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁμαρτίας39×
- ἁμαρτιῶν24×
- ἁμαρτία21×
- ἁμαρτίαν19×
- ἁμαρτίαις8×
- ἁμαρτίας,7×
- ἁμαρτίαι7×
- ἁμαρτιῶν.6×
- ἁμαρτίας.5×
- ἁμαρτίᾳ4×
- ἁμαρτίαν,4×
- ἁμαρτία,4×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 1:21
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
This verse defines the mission of Jesus as the one who actively saves people from the condition of sin, linking his name to rescue.
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John 1:29
The next day, he saw Jesus coming to him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John identifies Jesus as the Lamb who removes the sin of the world, using the singular form to emphasize a comprehensive solution to a pervasive problem.
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Mark 2:5
Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
Jesus forgives the paralytic’s sins before healing his body, demonstrating that spiritual restoration is the primary authority he exercises on earth.
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Luke 7:48
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
Jesus declares forgiveness to a woman known for her past, showing that hamartia does not disqualify someone from receiving grace and love.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does hamartia mean in the Bible?
How is hamartia different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear most significantly?
Every Occurrence (151 verses across 20 books)
Matthew 7 verses
She shall give birth to a son. You shall name him Jesus, for it is he who shall save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 3:6They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.
Matthew 9:2Behold, they brought to him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic,…
Matthew 9:5For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?
Matthew 9:6But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins—” (then he said to the paralytic),…
Matthew 12:31Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be…
Matthew 26:28for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.