Sin is the most commonly used of these three terms. Iniquity and transgression we seldom hear. But they are found in the Bible and all three are very important to understand… and even more important to avoid commiting.
In the Old Testament, the Hebrew words translated as sin, iniquity and transgression are chattah, awon, and pesha.
The word most often translated as sin is chattah. Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary defines it as an offense (first used in Gen 4:7). Sin can be both intentional (sins of commission) and unintentional (sins of omission). Sin is any thought, word, or action that is in disobedience to the will of God
The Hebrew word translated as iniquity is awon (Gen 15:16). Strong’s defines it as perversity, i.e. (moral) evil. Iniquity is a type of sin that is related to inner character. It is a moral uncleanness that is demonstrated and is often a very intentional twisting or defiance of God’s standard.
Pesha is the Hebrew word translated as transgression. Transgression is the same as trespassing, which is understood to mean the intrusion or infringement on another or on another’s property. Transgression is defined as the exceeding of due bounds or limits. And, transgression is a willful violation because the standard (i.e. a law, principle, or duty) is understood by the transgressor.
SIN
Sin is often defined as “missing the mark,” but “missing the mark” is not a complete definition. A skilled archer can “miss the mark” on his target and it’s not sin. He might still do very well by coming close. If we use the definition of “missing the mark,” we must be clear that “the mark” missed is God’s “mark” — and His “mark” is perfection. That means, in order to win the “prize,” we must hit it every time. We must be perfect! That IS what God demands (Mat 5:48). No one can do that. We sin — even when we try our best not to — and every sin is first and foremost a sin against God, because every sin is missing His “mark” of perfection.
J.I. Packer defines sin as “a universal deformity of human nature that is found at every point in every person; Sin is a spirit of fighting God in order to play God.” Packer’s point that every sin is a way of “playing God” is true. The very first sin in the world was a result of wanting to “be like God” (Gen 3:5).
Sin can be further defined as any thought, word, or action that conveys or displays something or someone to be more valuable than Jesus, because all sin is generated from three desires — the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life (Read: Are there only three sins? What are they?)
Sin is the most general term used for anything that “falls short of the glory of God” (Ro 3:23). We sin because we are born sinners, with the sin nature of Adam.
Rom 5:12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.
We rejoice that Jesus died to pay the penalty for all our sins and we are eternally secure in Him. (Read Can I lose my salvation?)
Iniquity
Iniquity is an act of moral uncleanness. Just as we sin because we are sinners, we commit morally unclean acts because we are born in sin and are morally unclean people. Only Jesus can forgive our sins and only Jesus can wash us clean (Rev 1:5).
Acts of iniquity meet a deeply rooted sinful need or desire. David’s sin with Bathsheba is an example of iniquity. His fleshly desires led to adultery and murder (2 Samuel 11:3–4; 2 Samuel 12:9). When David was convicted of his sins, he cried out in repentance, “Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psa 51:2)
Iniquity in the Bible is contrasted as the opposite of righteousness, which we know is what God desires from His people.
Psa 24:4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.
Psa 24:5 He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.
Ezek 44:23 And they [the priests] shall teach my people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean.
(Rom 6:19) I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.
We rejoice because we have the righteousness of Christ imputed to us, and making us clean and worthy in God’s eyes. (Read What are the Doctrines of Imputed, Infused, and Imparted Righteousness? The Gift of SalvaTION: Justification & Imputation)
Transgression
If sin is defined as “missing the mark,” then transgressing can be defined as “crossing over a boundary.” Just like the definition “missing the mark,” “crossing over a boundary” must be understood properly. It’s much more than just parking in a no parking zone. It’s more like parking in a no parking zone, knowing the judge who enforces the laws is watching you. Transgressing against God is making a choice to do something of which God has established clear boundaries — and willfully doing so. It’s proceeding without caring.
Trespassing is similar to transgressing. It is also “crossing over a boundary,” which we understand well because of man’s laws of tresspassing. Trespassing can also mean “to fall away after being close beside” and it can be intentional or unintentional. Peter trespassed when he denied Jesus (Luke 22:34, 56–62). And we all transgress and trespass, “crossing the line” in thought, word, or deed, many times a day.
We rejoice that God will forgive us, so we should be quick to forgive others who do the same (Matthew 6:15). (Read: What Happens If I Continue To Sin?
Distinctions
It’s sometimes difficult to distinguish what is a sin, an iniquity, or a transgression/trespass. The distinctions are very subtle, but the similarities are very clear and evident. All are sin, and, more they are much more than simply “missing the mark,” satisfying lustful, fleshly desires, or “crossing the line.” All sins separate us from God. For the unsaved, they are totally separated by sin and they lack of any type of union with God. For Christians, ongoing sin puts a distance between them and God. While they are eternally secure in their union with God (Read What is eternal security/assurance of salvation?), their communion with Him will suffer because of sins, iniquities, and transgressions.
We rejoice that God will forgive us and wash us of all sins (1John 1:9 — Read What is the Christian “Bar of Soap?”)
<*}}}><
Conquering Sin In Our Sanctification Journey:
What you need to know about Sanctification & Glorification
How Do I Fight Impure Thoughts?
Will impure thoughts condemn me? How can I fight them?
Can Satan put thoughts in our minds? How can I tell if sinful thoughts are coming from me or Satan?
Is My Heart Deceitful Above All Things? (Jer 17:9) Don’t I Have a New Heart?
Sin, Iniquity and Transgression? How are they different?
*******
Jesus is the Reason this Ministry Exists
We continue to reach people worldwide with the truths of God's Word and the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your generosity is both a blessing and encouragement. Our mission is to glorify God by equipping, encouraging, and empowering YOU to understand the Bible and grow in faith. If our online resources have blessed you, please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus. Our ministry outreach has grown significantly and . . .
Please support Reasons for Hope* Jesus with a donation of $5, $10, $20, or more. A donation of any amount is needed and greatly appreciated.
CLICK TO DONATE
to Reasons for Hope*Jesus(a 501c3 Ministry)
Use a Credit Card or PayPal for safe, secure giving.
*******
***A Hidden Message in Psalm 23?***
Hidden in the six verses of Psalm 23 are 11 names for Jesus. When you subscribe to our newsletter, we’ll send you The Names of God in Psalm 23 PDF that reveals all 11 names and Scripture verses of comfort and hope (link will be sent in your confirmation email).
A Room with a View of Eternity—The Last Will & Testament of Jesus Christ Take a seat at the Master's table. Learn about the riches He gives to all who are His. This book will bless and encourage you, give you hope, and help you live in the joy of your salvation and the riches of Christ that are yours.
The Top Ten Got Questions? in 2022
- The Meaning of NUMBERS in the Bible?
- Was Jesus CRUCIFIED on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday?
- Did The Wise Men Arrive 12 DAYS AFTER JESUS’ BIRTH? Or Was It Much Later?
- How long did JOB SUFFER?
- What is the Significance of the Wise Men's THREE GIFTS? And were they kings?
- How are the Shepherd’s ROD and STAFF Different?
- Which Old Testament Book Did JESUS QUOTE most often?
- The Meaning of COLORS in the Bible?
- ONLY ONE LIFE, Twill Soon Be Past – by C.T. Studd (1860 – 1931)
- How was Jesus Like a Worm? What’s the CRIMSON (OR SCARLET) WORM in Psalm 22?
This is not a Got Questions? article. But it's so popular it ranked among the top pages viewed:
More Popular Got Questions
- Did Jesus Fight Satan to Take Back the KEYS of Death and Hell?
- How Did the Wise Men Know This Was the Messiah and KNOW TO FOLLOW HIS STAR?
- What do the 12 stones UNDER the JORDAN River mean? (Joshua 4)
- Jesus' Last Days TIMELINE: The Cross and The Crucifixion
- How Many MIRACLES Did Jesus Do?
- Is Leonard Cohen’s “HALLELUJAH” a Christian Song?
- Where did OT Saints go at death? ABRAHAM'S BOSOM?
- SIN, INIQUITY, TRANSGRESSION? How are they different?
- What are the NAMES of JEHOVAH Hidden in Psalm 23?
- Jesus in the Gospels: What are the Four Different Presentations of Jesus?
- If BAPTIZED as an Infant, Do I Need to Be Re-Baptized?
- Why Did God Create Man Knowing MAN WOULD SIN?
- What Did Jesus Say About HEAVEN (and HELL)?
- What are the “I Will ” STATEMENTS of Satan, God, and Jesus?
- Was MARY a LEVITE Making Jesus both a Priest and King?
- Why Was a RAM SACRIFICED in Genesis 22 Instead of a Lamb?
- Is Satan’s Real Name LUCIFER?
- Can Jews go to Heaven without knowing Jesus?
TOP TEN Videos from Reasons for Hope* Jesus
- Memorial Day BAGPIPES TRIBUTE: Amazing Grace
- RISE AND SHINE and Give God the Glory, Glory!
- WERE YOU THERE When They Crucified My Lord?
- PAUL HARVEY: THE BIRDCAGE
- PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN: A SOLDIER'S PLEDGE
- Hark! the Herald Angels Sing -- CHARLIE BROWN Christmas
- JOHN WAYNE ~ WHY I LOVE AMERICA
- Jimmy Stewart - Nativity Scene Prayer: Mr. Krueger's Christmas
- THE LEGEND OF THE CANDY CANE - A Christmas Story to Share
- Not by Might, Not by Power, But BY MY SPIRIT says the Lord (Zechariah 4:6)
- Erwin Lutzer - We Will Not Be SILENCED
*****************