Sin Means to Miss the Mark?

The Bible’s Definition of Sin as Missing the Mark

The word sin, as it appears in the Bible, comes from the Greek word hamartia or the Hebrew word hatah, which both mean to miss the mark. The word was used in archery and spear throwing. When a person missed the center of the target, they erred, or hamartiyad.

So as this applies to sin, we should ask, what is the mark that we are missing? And the answer is the holy, righteous perfection of God. When it comes to missing that mark, we're not just veering off a little and barely missing the bullseye.

On our way to the range, we took a wrong turn and drove off a cliff. We don't come anywhere near the holiness of God. Understanding sin requires more than knowing the definition of a word. We must consider how sin is framed in the Bible.

Sin as Treason Against the High King of Heaven

It's worse than simply missing a target or making a mistake. Sin is treason. It is rebellion against the law of the High King of Heaven, and for that, we deserve death. Joshua 1 .18 says whoever rebels against the Lord's commandment and disobeys His words shall be put to death.

That's sin and its consequence. Romans 6 .23 says for the wages of sin is death. That verse goes on to say, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. See, all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.

From Condemnation to Forgiveness in Christ

That's everyone. No one on their own merit will stand innocent before the throne of judgment. But God demonstrated His love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Followers of Jesus are saved from His wrath, no longer enemies of God, but we've been reconciled to God and to His people.

Now we're fellow heirs of His kingdom. From treasonous criminals to fellow heirs, that's the love of God through His Son in whom we have the forgiveness of sins when we understand the text.