Sin, Trespass, Iniquity, etc.
This
Is Appendix 44 From The Companion Bible.
There
are many synonymous words to represent the outworking of
man's
fallen nature. As these are not always translated by the same
English
word, it is necessary that we should distinguish them. The
student,
by reference to the following list, will be able to do so :-
i. chat'a, to
sin; to miss the mark (as in Judges 20:16). Also of
the
feet, to stumble and fall (Proverbs 19:2). Hence, morally,
a coming short, blameworthiness-not necessarily wilful. An
act
of thought, word, or deed, not a condition. Usually (but
by
no means always) rendered sin, and other words also so
rendered.
ii. 'asham, trespass, to sin through error or ignorance. Compare
Leviticus
4:13; 5:2, 3. Numbers 5:6,7. Judges 21:22. 1
Chronicles
21:3. 2 Chronicles 19:10; 28:10,13. 'Asham is a
breach
of commandment, done in ignorance, but, when the
guilt
is proved, requiring atonement.
iii. 'aven, iniquity,
specially connected with idolatry. Used
because
an idol is nothing and vanity (compare Hosea 4:15;
5:8; 10:5, 8. Amos 5:5,
marg.). Hence, 'aven comes to mean
vanity (compare Job 15:35. Psalm 10:7. Proverbs 22:8, etc.).
The
word has many renderings, which are pointed out in the
passages
when it occurs. 'Aven is rather a course of bad
conduct
flowing from the evil desires of fallen nature, than
breaches
of the law as such.
iv. 'avah, perverseness, from the root to
be bent, or crooked.
English
wrong that is to say, wrung out of course, expresses
it
( compare 1 Samuel
20:30. 2 Samuel 19:19. 1 Kings
8:47.
Job
33:37,
etc.).
v. 'amal, trouble,
labour, toil. Sin viewed in the light of the
trouble
it causes; and of its burden
and its grievousness
(Isaiah
10:1 Habakkuk
1:3).
Often rendered perverseness
(Numbers
23:21), also
mischief (Job 15:35).
vi. 'aval, unjust, unfairness, sin in its nature as deceitful,
dishonesty,
that which is not equal and right, unfairness in
dealings.
Rendered unjust (Psalm 43:1; 82:2. Proverbs 29:27.
Isaiah
26:10), unrighteous (Leviticus 19:15, 35).
vii. 'abar, to pass
beyond, transgress. Hence, transgression
(Psalm
17:3. Hosea
6:7; 8:1).
viii. ra'a', wicked,
injurious. From its root, which indicates its
nature
as breaking up all that is good or disirable; injurious
to
all others. In Greek poneros,
evil, or kakos, bad.
Hence
especially
of moral depravity and corruption, and lewdness.
English
"good-for-nothing"
(1 Samuel 17:28), naughty (2
Kings
2:19.
Proverbs 20:14.
Jeremiah 24:2).
ix. pash'a, revolt,
rebellion. Sin against lawful authority. Often
rendered
transgression (Psalm 51:13.
Proverbs 28:21.
Isaiah
43:27). In Proverbs 10:12 the action of love or mercy shown
stands
in strong contrast to this character of the sin.
x. rasha', wickedness, in the sense of the restless activity of
fallen
nature (Job 3:17.
Isaiah 53:9 57:20, 21); where it refers
to
the activity of the impious and ungodly, or robbers.
xi. ma'al, treachery,
unfaithfulness, breach of trust, often
rendered
trespass and transgression. It is used of Achan
(Joshua
7:1; 22:20). Compare Joshua 22:16. 2Chronicles
26:18; 28:22; 33:19. Ezra
9:2,4.
Nehemiah 13:27, etc.
xii. shagag, erring
from imprudence, rashness, being deceived,
not
wilfully; and shagah, erring wilfully through passion or
wine,
hence, to go astray. As sin it is to be distinguished
from
presumptuous or high-handed sin. Compare Leviticus
4:13. Numbers 15:22, etc., with Numbers 15:30. Psalm
119:21.
xiii. zimmah, meditated
wickedness, plotted, planned, and
designed;
wicked, or lewd purpose, especially of sins of
unchastity.
xiv. chasad =
shameful. A Homonym, meaning (1) Here, and
Job
37:13 (where
it is rendered "mercy" in Authorized
Version
and Revised Version). But "lightning"
is not
"mercy", but
chastisement. (2) The other meaning is mercy,
lovingkindness, or grace. See note on Leviticus 20:14.