What Are the Seven Deadly Sins?
What Are the Seven Deadly Sins? The 'seven deadly sins' — pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth — are a traditional list, not a specific Bible passage, but all are addressed in Scripture.
Key verse: Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)
The 'seven deadly sins' — pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth — are a traditional list, not a specific Bible passage, but all are addressed in Scripture.
The 'seven deadly sins' — pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth — are a traditional list, not a specific Bible passage, but all are addressed in Scripture.
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren." — Proverbs 6:16-19 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
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The Biblical Answer
The traditional list of seven deadly sins (pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth) was formalized by Pope Gregory I in the 6th century and is not found as a single list in the Bible. However, each sin is thoroughly addressed in Scripture. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, which overlap significantly. Pride is considered the root of all sin — it was Satan's original sin (Isaiah 14:12-14) and leads to destruction (Proverbs 16:18). Greed or covetousness is called idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Lust corrupts the heart (Matthew 5:28). Envy rots the bones (Proverbs 14:30). Gluttony represents lack of self-control (Proverbs 23:20-21). Wrath leads to folly (Proverbs 14:29). Sloth invites poverty (Proverbs 6:9-11). While the Bible doesn't rank sins in this way, these seven represent categories of temptation that every believer must guard against through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Key Scripture References
"These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."
"Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall."
"Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
Can God Forgive Any Sin?
Yes — the Bible teaches that God's grace is sufficient to forgive any sin when a person repents and believes in Christ.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Is the Unforgivable Sin?
The unforgivable sin, or blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, is the persistent, willful rejection of the Spirit's testimony about Jesus Christ.
Why Did Jesus Have to Die on the Cross?
Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice to pay the penalty for human sin and reconcile humanity to God.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
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The answer above sits inside Proverbs. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Proverbs on day 159 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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