While the Old Testament uses Hebrew to describe “missing the mark” or “rebellion,” the New Testament was written in Koine Greek, offering further clarity on the nature of sin. The Greek terms emphasize the internal motive, the transgression of divine law, and the state of being lost. Understanding these words helps us see why Jesus is the only solution for the human condition.
Missing the Mark (Hamartia)
The most common Greek word for sin is hamartia. Much like the Hebrew chata’, it literally means “to miss the mark.” In Greek literature, it was often used in archery or spear-throwing. However, in the New Testament, it takes on a deeper theological meaning: it is the failure to live up to God’s perfect standard of holiness.
Hamartia describes both individual acts of wrongdoing and the underlying “sin nature” that resides within every human being. It is a state of being where we are constantly falling short of the glory God intended for us.
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23, NLT)
Crossing the Line (Parabasis)
The word parabasis is often translated as “transgression.” It literally means “to step over a line.” If God’s law is a boundary meant for our protection and His glory, parabasis is the act of knowingly and willfully stepping across that boundary into forbidden territory.
While hamartia can be an unintentional failure, parabasis implies a level of awareness. It is a violation of a known law. This term highlights that sin is not just a mistake; it is an act of disobedience against God’s revealed will.
“For the law brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (But if there were no law, people would not be violating its commands.)” (Romans 4:15, NLT)
Lawlessness (Anomia)
The term anomia translates to “lawlessness.” It describes a frame of mind that rejects God’s right to rule. It is not just breaking a specific rule, but a general contempt for the Law-Giver Himself. It is the spirit of “I will do what I want, regardless of what God says.”
In the New Testament, lawlessness is the ultimate expression of sin. It is the rejection of God’s authority and the elevation of the self as the highest power. It is the opposite of the “righteousness” that comes through faith in Christ.
“Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for every sin is contrary to the law of God.” (1 John 3:4, NLT)
Falling Away (Paraptōma)
Finally, the word paraptōma is often translated as “trespass” or “false step.” It carries the idea of losing one’s footing and falling down. It depicts a person who is walking along a path but stumbles or slips off the right track.
This word is frequently used in the context of God’s forgiveness. While we all “stumble” and “fall away” from the path of righteousness, the New Testament highlights that Jesus came specifically to restore those who have lost their footing.
“He was handed over to die because of our sins [paraptōma], and he was raised to life to make us right with God.” (Romans 4:25, NLT)
The Takeaway
The meaning of sin in the New Testament shows that we are people who have missed the mark (hamartia), stepped over the line (parabasis), lived in rebellion (anomia), and lost our footing (paraptōma). These terms paint a sobering picture of our spiritual state, but they also point us to our need for a Savior. Because Jesus lived a life without “missing the mark,” He is able to bridge the gap and bring us back into a right relationship with God.
