What Is Sin According to the Bible?
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.
Key verse: Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
Sin is any thought, word, or action that falls short of God's perfect standard — essentially, missing the mark of His holiness.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." — Romans 3:23 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
The Bible uses several words for sin, each revealing a different aspect. The most common Hebrew word (chata) and Greek word (hamartia) both mean 'to miss the mark' — like an archer's arrow falling short of the target. Romans 3:23 summarizes: 'For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.' Sin is not merely breaking rules; it is falling short of God's perfect character. Sin entered the world through Adam's disobedience (Romans 5:12) and infected all of humanity. It manifests in many forms: transgression (willful violation of God's law), iniquity (moral perversion), and trespass (crossing a boundary). 1 John 3:4 defines it as 'transgression of the law,' while James 4:17 adds, 'to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.' Sin is not only doing wrong but failing to do right. Its consequences are severe — spiritual death and separation from God — but its remedy is the cross of Jesus Christ.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Faith?
What the Bible teaches about faith, believing in God, and trusting His promises.
Key Scripture References
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
"Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law."
"Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
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.
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.
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.
How Are You Saved According to the Bible?
Salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ — not by works or human effort.
What Is the Gospel?
The gospel is the 'good news' that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, offering salvation to all who believe.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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God Promises to Forgive Your Sins
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Hark! the Herald Angels Sing
Charles Wesley • 1739
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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