Brief Overview of ἁμάρτημα (G265)

ἁμάρτημα (hamartēma) is a Greek noun that translates to “sin” or “error.” It is derived from the verb ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō), which means “to sin” or “to miss the mark.” The noun form typically refers to the act or state of sinning, representing a moral or ethical violation or failure.

Possible Meanings:

1. Sin: The primary meaning of ἁμάρτημα is a sinful act or moral failure, indicating behavior that deviates from divine or moral standards.
2. Error or Fault: It can also signify a general error or fault, beyond strictly religious or ethical contexts.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

1. BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature):

• BDAG defines ἁμάρτημα as “a sin” or “a transgression.” It describes the term as an action or state that falls short of moral or divine expectations. The lexicon notes that it is used in the New Testament to indicate acts that are morally or ethically wrong.

2. LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones Greek-English Lexicon):

• LSJ provides a definition for ἁμάρτημα as “a sin” or “a fault.” The lexicon emphasizes its use in both religious and secular contexts to describe errors or moral failures. It highlights the term’s application to various forms of wrongdoing.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἁμάρτημα as “a sin” or “an offense.” Thayer notes that it refers to acts of wrongdoing or moral failure, emphasizing its use in the context of violating divine commands or moral laws.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines ἁμάρτημα as “a sin” or “a trespass.” It focuses on the term’s use to indicate a moral or ethical failure, aligning with the concept of sin or wrongdoing in a religious context.

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

Summary:
ἁμάρτημα refers to “sin” or “error,” indicating acts of moral or ethical failure. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all highlight the term’s use to describe sinful acts or faults, with implications for both religious and general contexts. The term captures the essence of deviating from moral or divine standards, reflecting its significance in discussing wrongdoing and ethical violations.