Bible Verses About Sin

This foundational verse in Paul's systematic theology establishes the universal nature of human depravity. The Greek "hamartano" (ἁμαρτάνω) literally means "to miss the mark," derived from archery where an arrow falls short of its target. R.C. Sproul notes this reveals sin's essence: humanity's failure to achieve God's perfect standard of righteousness. The aorist tense indicates a completed action with ongoing consequences - all have sinned and continue to fall short. John MacArthur emphasizes this doctrine of total depravity, showing that sin affects every aspect of human nature, making divine grace absolutely necessary for salvation. (Ligonier Ministries)

The Apostle John presents the divine remedy for sin through genuine confession. The Greek "homologeō" (ὁμολογέω) means "to say the same thing" or "to agree with" - true confession involves agreeing with God's assessment of our sin rather than making excuses. John Stott emphasizes that God's forgiveness rests on both His "faithfulness" (pistis) to His covenant promises and His "justice" (dikaios) satisfied through Christ's atoning sacrifice. The promise of cleansing from "all unrighteousness" (adikia) offers complete purification. Matthew Henry observes this verse provides assurance that no sin is too great for God's forgiveness when met with genuine repentance. (Desiring God)

This verse presents the gospel in stark economic terms, contrasting earned wages with unmerited gift. The Greek "opsōnia" (ὀψώνια) specifically refers to a soldier's daily rations or earned pay - death is sin's inevitable wage that humanity has earned through rebellion against God. John Piper notes this death encompasses both physical death and eternal separation from God. In dramatic contrast, "charisma" (χάρισμα) signifies a free gift flowing from divine grace. Charles Spurgeon observed that while sin pays its employees faithfully with death, God gives the opposite of what we deserve - eternal life through Christ. This verse encapsulates both the severity of sin's consequences and the magnitude of God's grace. (Desiring God)

Isaiah diagnoses the fundamental problem plaguing Israel and all humanity - sin's power to sever fellowship with the holy God. The Hebrew "'āwōn" (עָוֹן) encompasses both the act of sin and its guilt, while "ḥaṭṭā'ōt" (חַטָּאות) refers to missing God's standard. John Calvin emphasized that sin doesn't diminish God's power to hear but creates a moral barrier preventing Him from responding favorably to prayer. The imagery of God hiding His face (Hebrew "hāstar pānîm") indicates the withdrawal of His favorable presence and blessing. Albert Barnes notes this separation is the essence of spiritual death - being cut off from the source of all life and goodness. This verse powerfully illustrates why reconciliation through Christ's atonement is absolutely necessary. (BibleHub Commentaries)

Paul addresses the delicate ministry of church discipline and restoration with both compassion and caution. The Greek "katartizō" (καταρτίζω) means to restore, repair, or perfect - used for mending fishing nets or setting broken bones. The word "prolambanō" (caught) suggests being overtaken or surprised by sin rather than deliberately planned rebellion. John MacArthur emphasizes that restoration must be done by "spiritual" (pneumatikos) believers - those walking in the Spirit's power and wisdom. The phrase "in a spirit of gentleness" (en pneumati prautētos) indicates humility and tenderness, recognizing our own frailty. The warning "lest you too be tempted" acknowledges that pride and self-righteousness make us vulnerable to the same failures we're addressing in others. This verse beautifully balances truth with grace in confronting sin. (Grace to You)

The Apostle John provides the broadest biblical definition of sin, establishing that any deviation from righteousness constitutes sin before God. The Greek "adikia" (ἀδικία) means "unrighteousness" or "injustice" - any thought, word, or deed that fails to conform to God's perfect standard. This comprehensive definition shows that sin isn't merely breaking specific commandments but any failure to reflect God's character. The controversial phrase "sin not unto death" has generated extensive theological debate. John Stott and many commentators distinguish between sins that don't result in physical death (which believers can pray about with confidence) and the "sin unto death" - possibly apostasy or persistent, willful rejection of Christ that leads to spiritual death. D.L. Moody emphasized that this verse reminds us that all moral failure grieves God and requires His grace. (BibleHub Commentaries)

King Solomon's proverb reveals a fundamental principle about dealing with sin - concealment leads to spiritual defeat while confession and repentance lead to mercy. The Hebrew "kāsâ" (כָּסָה) means to cover, hide, or conceal, reflecting humanity's natural tendency to hide sin from others and even from ourselves, following Adam and Eve's pattern in Eden. In contrast, "yādâ" (יָדָה) means to confess, acknowledge, or give thanks - it involves openly admitting guilt before God. The crucial addition of "'āzab" (עָזַב), meaning to forsake or abandon, shows that genuine repentance requires both confession and behavioral change. Matthew Henry notes that God's "mercy" (raḥam) flows to those who demonstrate authentic repentance through both admission and abandonment of sin. Charles Spurgeon observed that concealed sin is like a hidden cancer that spreads destruction, while confessed and forsaken sin receives God's healing mercy. (Spurgeon Archive)

Paul traces sin's entrance into human experience through Adam's original transgression, establishing the theological foundation for understanding humanity's fallen condition. The phrase "through one man" (di' henos anthrōpou) identifies Adam as humanity's federal head whose disobedience affected all his descendants. The Greek "eisēlthen" (entered) suggests sin invaded a previously sinless world like a hostile army conquering territory. R.C. Sproul emphasizes that death "passed through" (diēlthen) to all humanity "because all sinned" (eph' hō pantes hēmarton), indicating both Adam's imputed guilt and humanity's personal culpability. This verse establishes the doctrine of original sin - we inherit both a corrupt nature and guilt from Adam. John Calvin noted this explains the universality of human sinfulness and our desperate need for the "last Adam," Jesus Christ, to reverse the first Adam's catastrophe. Reformed theology particularly emphasizes this verse's teaching on inherited depravity. (Ligonier Ministries)

James expands our understanding of sin beyond active transgression to include the sin of omission - failing to do what we know is right. The Greek construction "eidōti... mē poiounti" (knowing... not doing) emphasizes that moral knowledge creates moral obligation. This principle reveals that sin isn't merely breaking God's law but also neglecting to fulfill it when we have the knowledge and opportunity. John Chrysostom noted that this makes sin both an act of commission and omission. The verse particularly applies to situations where we know we should speak truth, help the needy, share the gospel, or stand for righteousness but choose comfortable silence instead. Charles Spurgeon observed that many people will be condemned not for the evil they did but for the good they left undone. This sobering truth reminds us that spiritual maturity increases moral responsibility - the more we know of God's will, the greater our accountability for living it out. (BibleHub Commentaries)

The Apostle John provides sin's most fundamental definition from a legal perspective - sin is "anomia" (ἀνομία), meaning lawlessness or rebellion against divine law. This Greek term doesn't simply mean 'without law' but actively 'against law' - a deliberate rejection of God's righteous standards. John Calvin emphasized that this verse reveals sin's essential nature as rebellion against God's authority rather than mere moral mistakes or character flaws. The present tense "poiōn" (practices) indicates habitual engagement in lawless behavior, while "anomian poiei" (practices lawlessness) shows that sin and lawlessness are fundamentally identical. Augustine noted this definition shows why sin is so serious - it's not just breaking rules but rejecting God's rightful rule over creation. Modern antinomianism is refuted by this verse, which insists that genuine faith respects rather than rejects God's moral law. This legal framework helps us understand why sin requires not just forgiveness but also justification before God's holy court. (Desiring God)