Pronunciation Guide: hä-mär’-tā-mä

Basic Definition

Strong’s G265: ἁμάρτημα (hamartēma) refers to a specific sin or sinful act, emphasizing the concrete manifestation of sin rather than the abstract concept. It denotes a particular mistake, failure, or transgression against God’s standard. Unlike its cousin ἁμαρτία (hamartia), which often refers to the principle or power of sin, hamartēma points to individual instances where we miss God’s mark.

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Etymology and Morphology

• Noun (neuter)
• Derived from ἁμαρτάνω (hamartanō, “to miss the mark, sin”)
• Primary usage in narrative and teaching passages
• Common in Classical Greek judicial and ethical writings
• Found in both Koine Greek and Septuagint texts

ἁμάρτημα Morphology:

• ἁμάρτημα (nominative singular) – a sin
• ἁμαρτήματος (genitive singular) – of a sin
• ἁμαρτήματι (dative singular) – in/by/with a sin
• ἁμαρτήματα (nominative/accusative plural) – sins

Origin & History

The term ἁμάρτημα emerged from ancient Greek archery, where it described an arrow missing its target. In Plato’s “Republic,” he uses the term to describe specific errors in judgment or action. Aristotle, in his “Nicomachean Ethics,” employs ἁμάρτημα to distinguish between different types of wrongdoing, particularly emphasizing voluntary mistakes versus involuntary ones.

The word evolved in Hellenistic literature to encompass moral and religious failings. In the works of Polybius, it often appears in contexts of political or military mistakes, highlighting its concrete nature rather than abstract moral failure.

Expanded Definitions & Translation Options

• A specific act of sin or transgression
• A concrete manifestation of missing God’s standard
• A particular error or failure in moral conduct
• A definite instance of wrongdoing

ἁμάρτημα Translation Options:

• “Sin” (when referring to a specific act) – Most appropriate when context emphasizes individual transgressions
• “Trespass” – Useful when highlighting crossing a known boundary
• “Offense” – Helpful when emphasizing the relational impact of the sin
• “Wrongdoing” – Suitable when addressing concrete actions rather than sinful nature
• “Mistake” – Appropriate in contexts emphasizing human error rather than willful rebellion

Biblical Usage

In the New Testament, ἁμάρτημα appears primarily in contexts discussing specific sins rather than the general concept of sin. Its first appearance in Mark 3:28 is particularly significant as it occurs in Yeshua’s teaching about forgiveness, emphasizing God’s willingness to forgive specific transgressions.

The term is often used in passages that deal with confession, forgiveness, and the concrete nature of sin requiring repentance. This usage pattern suggests a focus on addressing particular acts of sin rather than the broader condition of sinfulness.

• “Truly I say to you, all sins [ἁμαρτήματα] shall be forgiven the sons of men” Mark 3:28
• “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions [ἁμαρτήματα]” Mark 11:25
• “If we confess our sins [ἁμαρτήματα], He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins” 1 John 1:9
• “Therefore repent of this wickedness [ἁμάρτημα] of yours” Acts 8:22

Cultural Insights

In ancient Jewish culture, the concept of sin was intimately connected to the temple sacrificial system. The use of ἁμάρτημα in the Septuagint often corresponds to Hebrew terms for specific sins requiring specific sacrifices. This connection is particularly evident in Levitical law, where different offerings were prescribed for different types of transgressions.

The Jewish understanding of teshuvah (repentance) involved not just general remorse but specific acknowledgment of particular sins. This cultural context illuminates why the New Testament writers chose ἁμάρτημα when discussing specific acts requiring repentance and forgiveness.

Theological Significance

The use of ἁμάρτημα in Scripture reveals God’s detailed concern with our actions while simultaneously highlighting His comprehensive forgiveness. When Yeshua speaks of forgiving “all sins” using this term in Mark 3:28, He demonstrates that God’s grace extends to every specific transgression, not just sin in general.

This word choice emphasizes personal responsibility while maintaining hope. By focusing on specific acts rather than an insurmountable condition of sinfulness, ἁμάρτημα reminds us that through the Messiah’s sacrifice, we can address and overcome particular sins in our lives through repentance and faith.

The specificity of ἁμάρτημα also points to the thoroughness of Yeshua’s atoning work. He didn’t just deal with sin in abstract but took upon Himself every specific transgression, demonstrating both the comprehensiveness of our need and the completeness of His salvation.

Personal Application

Understanding ἁμάρτημα challenges us to be specific in our confession and repentance. Rather than merely acknowledging we are “sinners in general,” this word encourages us to bring particular sins before the Lord, knowing He is faithful and just to forgive these specific transgressions.

This specificity in dealing with sin can lead to more effective spiritual growth. When we identify and confess specific sins, we can better implement practical strategies for overcoming them, always relying on the Holy Spirit’s power and God’s grace.

Related Words

• ἁμαρτία (hamartia) – The principle or power of sin, sinful nature – Differs from ἁμάρτημα by focusing on the general concept rather than specific acts See G266
• παράπτωμα (paraptōma) – A false step, trespass – Emphasizes the idea of falling aside from truth or right conduct See G3900
• παρακοή (parakoē) – Disobedience – Focuses specifically on the aspect of failing to listen or heed See G3876
• ἀνομία (anomia) – Lawlessness – Highlights violation of law or standard See G458

Did you Know?

• The ancient Greeks used ἁμάρτημα in their legal system to distinguish between intentional crimes and unintentional mistakes, influencing how early Christians understood the various dimensions of sin.
• In modern Greek, ἁμάρτημα is still used today, particularly in Orthodox Christian contexts, maintaining its specific meaning of a concrete sin rather than the abstract concept of sinfulness.
• The word’s connection to archery (missing the mark) provides a powerful visual metaphor that rabbis have used for centuries to teach about sin – every shot that misses the target, whether by a little or a lot, is still a miss, highlighting our need for divine precision in living righteously.

Remember This

ἁμάρτημα reminds us that while every specific sin matters to God, His grace is equally specific and complete in providing forgiveness through the Messiah.