חֲטָאָה (cha.ta.ah)
cha.ta.ah
sin
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The noun chaṭṭāʾt refers specifically to a sin offering, a ritual sacrifice provided in the Mosaic law for unintentional transgressions. While it shares a root with the general word for sin (chatta’ah), this particular form denotes the means of atonement rather than the offense itself. It appears seven times in the Hebrew Bible, primarily within the detailed instructions of Exodus and Psalms, highlighting its role in maintaining ritual purity.
This offering was distinct from other sacrifices because it addressed specific violations committed in ignorance or error. The sources note that it served as a tangible way for the community to restore their standing before God when they fell short of His standards without malicious intent. By presenting this sacrifice, the worshipper acknowledged the breach in relationship and sought reconciliation through the prescribed ritual.
Translators often render chaṭṭāʾt as "sin offering" or "purification offering," depending on whether they emphasize the cause (the sin) or the effect (cleansing). The term underscores a theological reality in ancient Israel: that wrongs against God could be remedied through divinely appointed means, providing a path back to communion rather than leaving the offender in a state of permanent separation.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word for sin in these verses carries a heavy weight, describing actions that break trust and damage relationships. It is not merely a list of rule-breaking but a description of how we have fallen short of the goodness God intended. When we see this term used, it reminds us that our choices have real consequences for ourselves and others.
Yet, even in the midst of failure, there is a path forward. The biblical narrative shows that acknowledging these missteps is the first step toward healing. By bringing our faults into the light, we open ourselves to forgiveness and restoration, moving from isolation back into communion with God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a sin5×
- sin1×
- <into>/ sin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- חֲטָאָ֣ה3×
- חֲטָאָ֥ה2×
- לַֽ/חֲטָאָֽה\׃1×
- חֲטָאָֽה\׃1×
Key Verses
-
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.”
This verse marks a turning point where Moses acknowledges the severity of the golden calf incident and steps in to seek atonement, showing that confession precedes reconciliation.
-
Psalms 32:1
By David. A contemplative psalm. Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
David describes the profound relief and blessing that come when this burden of sin is forgiven and covered, highlighting the emotional and spiritual weight of guilt.
-
Genesis 20:9
Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I sinned against you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done!”
Abimelech uses this term to express his shock at the potential harm caused by Abraham's deception, illustrating how sin can disrupt peace between people even when intent is unclear.