חָטָא (cha.ta)
cha.ta
to sin
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 191 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb chata literally means to miss a target, much like an archer who fails to hit the mark. In Scripture this image expands to describe missing the goal of right conduct or wandering away from the path of duty. With 191 occurrences across the Old Testament, it appears frequently in Leviticus and Numbers, where it defines the boundary between obedience and transgression.
Its range extends beyond moral failure to include the consequences of that error. The word covers incurring guilt, suffering loss, and even the ritual act of purifying oneself from uncleanness through a sin offering. Translators often render it simply as "sin," but this English term can sound static; chata captures the dynamic motion of falling short of a standard set by God.
A notable detail is its use in Proverbs 8:36, where Wisdom contrasts those who find her with those who miss her. The text states that whoever wanders from Wisdom injures their own soul. This usage reinforces the idea that sin is not merely breaking a rule, but missing the intended purpose of life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb chata paints a vivid picture of missing the mark, much like an archer who aims true but fails to hit the target. This imagery helps us understand sin not just as a moral failure, but as a deviation from God’s intended purpose for our lives. When we stray, we miss the fullness of what God designed for us, yet this word also carries hope because it implies that the target still exists and can be reached again.
In the Old Testament, this term appears frequently in laws regarding sin offerings, showing that there is a way back when we acknowledge our error. It reminds us that our actions have consequences, but they do not define our final standing before God. The path of restoration involves recognizing where we have missed the mark and turning back toward the standard set by Him.
For your daily walk, this word invites honesty about your own shortcomings without despair. It encourages you to view spiritual growth as a journey of alignment rather than perfectionism. By focusing on the goal of right conduct, you can find encouragement in the fact that God provides means for forgiveness and renewal whenever you choose to return to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 191 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- we have sinned24×
- I have sinned18×
- he caused to sin17×
- he has sinned14×
- he sinned9×
- they sinned8×
- they have sinned8×
- he will sin7×
- they will sin6×
- it will sin5×
- you have sinned4×
- to/ sin4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֶחֱטִ֖יא10×
- חָֽטְאוּ\־8×
- חָטָ֖אנוּ7×
- חָטָֽאנוּ\׃5×
- חָטָ֖א5×
- הֶחֱטִ֥יא5×
- חָטָ֥אנוּ4×
- חָטָ֙אתִי֙4×
- חָטָ֑א4×
- יֶחֶטְאוּ\־3×
- יֶחֱטָ֔א3×
- יֶֽחֶטְאוּ\־3×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 20:6
God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld you from sinning against me. Therefore I didn’t allow you to touch her.
This verse shows God’s grace in withholding judgment, highlighting that chata involves both the act of sinning and the divine response to it.
-
Exodus 9:27
Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them, “I have sinned this time. Yahweh is righteous, and I and my people are wicked.
Pharaoh’s confession here demonstrates the word’s use in acknowledging personal guilt before God, even when followed by a hardened heart later.
-
Leviticus 4:2
“Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If anyone sins unintentionally, in any of the things which Yahweh has commanded not to be done, and does any one of them,
This occurrence establishes the legal framework for unintentional sins, showing how chata covers errors made without deliberate intent.
-
Exodus 32:30
On the next day, Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. Now I will go up to Yahweh. Perhaps I shall make atonement for your sin.”
Moses identifies the golden calf incident as a 'great sin,' emphasizing the severity and communal impact of missing God’s standard.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word chata literally mean?
How is chata different from other words for sin?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (191 verses across 26 books)
Genesis 8 verses
God said to him in the dream, “Yes, I know that in the integrity of your heart you have done this, and I also withheld…
Genesis 20:9Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have…
Genesis 31:39That which was torn of animals, I didn’t bring to you. I bore its loss. Of my hand you required it, whether stolen by…
Genesis 39:9No one is greater in this house than I am, and he has not kept back anything from me but you, because you are his wife.…
Genesis 40:1After these things, the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker offended their lord, the king of Egypt.
Genesis 42:22Reuben answered them, saying, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘Don’t sin against the child,’ and you wouldn’t listen?…
Genesis 43:9I’ll be collateral for him. From my hand will you require him. If I don’t bring him to you, and set him before you,…
Genesis 44:32For your servant became collateral for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I don’t bring him to you, then I will bear the…