Brief Overview of ἁμαρτάνω (G264)

ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō) is a Greek verb meaning “to sin” or “to miss the mark.” It is derived from the root word ἁμαρτία (hamartia), which refers to sin or error. The term is used to denote the act of committing a moral or ethical wrong, deviating from a standard or divine commandment.

Possible Meanings:

1. To Sin: The primary meaning is to commit an act that is considered morally wrong or contrary to divine law.
2. To Miss the Mark: It can also mean to fail to reach a standard or goal, often used in a figurative sense to describe moral failure or error.

Detailed Overview with Concordances

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

• BDAG defines ἁμαρτάνω as “to sin” or “to miss the mark.” The lexicon explains that the term refers to the act of falling short of a moral or ethical standard, particularly in relation to divine expectations. It emphasizes the concept of failing to achieve a required standard or goal, which aligns with the broader notion of moral or spiritual failure.

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

• LSJ provides a definition for ἁμαρτάνω as “to sin” or “to err.” The lexicon describes the term in the context of making a mistake or failing to meet a specific standard, whether in a general or ethical sense. The focus is on the broader application of error or failure in various contexts.

3. Thayer’s Greek Lexicon:

• Thayer defines ἁμαρτάνω as “to err” or “to sin,” with a particular emphasis on the moral or ethical implications. Thayer notes that the term implies a failure to live up to divine commands or moral standards, thus highlighting its use in religious and ethical contexts.

4. Strong’s Concordance:

• Strong’s Concordance defines ἁμαρτάνω as “to sin” or “to miss the mark.” The concordance focuses on the term’s use to indicate moral failure or error in relation to a standard, often with a religious connotation.

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Summary:
ἁμαρτάνω means “to sin” or “to miss the mark,” referring to moral or ethical failure in relation to a divine standard. BDAG, LSJ, Thayer’s Lexicon, and Strong’s Concordance all highlight the term’s association with failing to meet a required standard or committing a wrong. The term is used to describe acts of moral failure and errors in ethical conduct, reflecting its significance in both general and religious contexts.