Brief Overview of ἁμαρτία (G266)

ἁμαρτία (hamartia) is a Greek noun that translates to “sin” or “error.” It is derived from the verb ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō), meaning “to sin” or “to miss the mark.” This term is used in various contexts in the New Testament and other ancient Greek literature to denote a moral or ethical failure.

Possible Meanings:

1. Sin: The primary meaning of ἁμαρτία is a sinful act or state, representing a transgression against divine or moral laws.
2. Error or Fault: It can also refer more generally to a mistake or fault, not necessarily of a moral or religious nature.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

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

• BDAG defines ἁμαρτία as “sin” in the sense of a moral or ethical violation. It describes the term as representing actions or conditions that fall short of divine or moral expectations. The lexicon highlights its use in the New Testament to denote transgressions against God’s commandments.

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

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

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἁμαρτία as “sin” or “offense,” with a focus on its religious and ethical implications. It refers to an act of disobedience or violation of divine laws, emphasizing its role in describing moral failings.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

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

Support our Israeli friends

Use code: FOG20 for a 20% discount.

Learn More

Summary:
ἁμαρτία refers to “sin” or “error,” capturing the notion of moral or ethical failure. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all underline the term’s significance in denoting transgressions against divine or moral standards. The term is used to describe a wide range of wrongful actions and faults, reflecting its central role in discussions of sin and moral failure in both religious and general contexts.