Hello, and welcome. If you are asking, what are sins in the bible, you are asking a very important question. This question does more than just make you curious. It helps you understand yourself, your world, and why you truly need a Savior. As we walk with the Lord, learning about sin is not about making a list of rules to feel bad about. It is about understanding how holy God is and the wonderful plan He has for you.
In the Bible, sin simply means “missing the mark.” Think of an archer aiming at a target. The goal is the bullseye. That bullseye is God’s perfect goodness. Anything that is not a bullseye is a “miss.” The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” This is true for every one of us. This is not a message to make us feel bad, but a place to start to see God’s grace. When we see that we have all missed the mark, we can truly love the One who hit it perfectly for us: Jesus Christ.
So, let’s open God’s Word with open hearts. We are not looking for a list to weigh us down, but for the truth that will set us free.
More in Bible Category
Does the Bible Say All Sins Are Equal
What Is Condemnation in the Bible
What is the Core Definition of Sin in Christianity?
At its heart, sin is any action, feeling, or thought that goes against God’s law and His holy nature. The main Greek word for sin in the New Testament is hamartia. This word literally means “to miss the mark.” This is a strong picture. It shows us that sin is not just doing big bad things like murder or stealing. It is anything that strays from God’s perfect plan for our lives. To truly grasp what are sins in the bible, we must look at this core idea.
Also, sin is a problem of the heart. It is not just about what we do. It is about who we are when we are apart from God’s power to change us. The prophet Jeremiah tells us what God sees: “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). This is why we need a new heart. And only God can give us one.
In the end, sin is saying “no” to God’s rule. It is when we choose our own way instead of His way. Adam and Eve’s first sin was not just about eating a fruit. It was about disobeying a clear command from God their Maker. They thought they knew better than God. So, every time we sin, we are doing the same thing. We are putting what we want above the perfect will of our loving Father.
Are There Different Categories for What Are Sins in the Bible?
The Bible does not give us a neat, formal list with categories for sin. But as we read it, we can see clear patterns. These patterns help us understand the different ways we can “miss the mark.”
We can look at it in two main ways: sins we do, and sins of not doing what is right.
- Sins of Commission: This is the easy one to see. It means you actively do something God said not to do. When God says, “You shall not steal,” and a person steals, that is a sin of commission. The Ten Commandments give many examples of things God tells us not to do.
- Sins of Omission: This one is harder to see but just as serious. This happens when we do not do something God told us to do. The apostle James says it clearly: “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them” (James 4:17). For instance, if we can help someone in need but we walk away, that is a sin. If we do not pray or love others, that is also a sin of omission.
Jesus showed this very clearly in his story about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25. The goats were judged not for bad things they did, but for the good things they did not do. He said, “For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink…” (Matthew 25:42). This teaches us that God wants us to both turn from evil and to actively do good.
What Are Sins of the Heart? An Internal Look at What Are Sins in the Bible
Jesus, in His amazing Sermon on the Mount, went deeper than anyone before. He taught that sin does not start with our hands or our mouths. It starts deep inside us, in our hearts and minds. He showed that what we think and feel is just as important to God as what we do.
This is a very important part of understanding what are sins in the bible. It is not just about changing how we act. It is about God changing our hearts.
Is Anger a Sin According to Jesus?
In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says something amazing. He says, “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.”
Here, Jesus says that being wrongly angry with someone is like murdering them in your heart. Of course, some anger is right. God gets angry about sin and when people are treated unfairly. But Jesus is talking about bitter, hateful anger we feel toward another person. That person is made in God’s image. This sin of the heart, if we let it grow, leads to hurtful words and actions. It shows we want to harm someone, which is the root of murder.
What Does the Bible Say About Lust?
Jesus also talks about lust with great clarity. He says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5:27-28).
Again, Jesus goes right to the source of the problem. The act of adultery is a great sin. But it starts with a lustful thought in the heart. Lust is not just seeing that someone is beautiful. It is a selfish desire that turns a person into an object for your own pleasure. It ignores their value as a person God created. It also breaks the holy bond of sex that God made only for marriage. This teaches us that being holy involves our whole lives, including our thoughts.
How Does Coveting Lead to Sin?
The Tenth Commandment says, “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house… your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor” (Exodus 20:17).
Coveting is a strong, angry desire for something that belongs to someone else. It is a sin of the heart that creates unhappiness, envy, and jealousy. The apostle James explains how this inner sin leads to outer problems: “What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight” (James 4:1-2). Coveting is the seed that grows into other sins, like stealing, lying, and even violence. It shows we do not trust God to give us what we need.
The “Seven Deadly Sins”: Are They in the Bible?
Many people know the list of the “seven deadly sins”: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. It is good to know that this exact list is not in the Bible. It was made by monks long ago. They used it to teach about the main sins that lead to all other sins. This is a common question when people ask what are sins in the bible.
But, the Bible does condemn every one of these sins. They all go against God’s nature. The Bible has its own lists that are very much like this one. For example, Proverbs 6:16-19 says:
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him:
- haughty eyes,
- a lying tongue,
- hands that shed innocent blood,
- a heart that devises wicked schemes,
- feet that are quick to rush into evil,
- a false witness who pours out lies,
- and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
This list from Proverbs shows that God cares deeply about our hearts (pride, evil plans) and the actions that come from them (lying, murder, causing trouble).
Why is Pride Considered the Original Sin When Asking What Are Sins in the Bible?
Of all the sins, pride is often called the “father of all sins.” Pride is thinking you are all you need. It is putting yourself in God’s place. Many believe this is the sin that made Lucifer fall from heaven. The prophet Isaiah wrote down his proud words: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God… I will make myself like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:13-14).
Pride is the biggest “miss of the mark.” It aims to bring glory to self instead of to God. Proverbs 16:18 warns us, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” It is the root of saying “no” to God because it tells Him, “I know better than You.” Being humble is the opposite of pride. It is the start of our relationship with God. We can only receive His grace when we are humble.
What Are Sins in the Bible That Affect Our Speech?
The Bible says a lot about the power of our words. The book of James warns that the tongue is like a fire. It can cause great damage (James 3:5-6). Our words can build people up or tear them down. They can heal or they can hurt deeply. So, how we speak is a big part of our walk with God.
Is Lying Always a Sin? A Look at What Are Sins in the Bible
Yes, the Bible is very clear that lying is a sin. The Ninth Commandment is “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor” (Exodus 20:16). Proverbs 12:22 says, “The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy.”
Lying goes against God’s nature because God is truth (John 14:6). When we lie, we twist what is real and we break trust. It is a selfish act. We often do it to protect ourselves, get ahead, or hurt someone else. The world may say “little white lies” are okay. But God’s standard is total truth because that is who He is.
What Does the Bible Say About Gossip and Slander?
Gossip and slander are sins of the tongue that cause much harm. Gossip is sharing private or negative news about someone who is not there. Slander is telling lies to hurt someone’s name. The Bible treats both of these very seriously.
Proverbs 16:28 says, “A perverse person stirs up conflict, and a gossip separates close friends.” Gossip creates fights, breaks friendships, and hurts the church. Ephesians 4:29 tells us what to do instead: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Our words should be tools for grace, not for harm.
A Complete List? Answering What Are Sins in the Bible
Many people wish the Bible had one single, complete list of every sin. But God’s Word does something even better. It gives us principles and examples that show us what sin is really like. This helps us see sin in all its forms.
The New Testament does have several key parts that list many kinds of sinful acts. These lists are a great help to see what actions and thoughts go against a life with God. They show us how broken people are without Christ.
What are the works of the flesh in Galatians 5?
The apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, gives a famous “sin list.” He shows the difference between the “works of the flesh” (our sinful nature) and the “fruit of the Spirit.” This is a key part of the Bible for anyone asking what are sins in the bible.
Galatians 5:19-21 says: “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
This list includes many kinds of sin. There are sexual sins, religious sins (like worshiping idols), social sins (like hatred and jealousy), and sins of doing too much (like getting drunk). Paul’s warning is very clear. A life filled with these things does not fit with being in God’s Kingdom.
What Sins Are Listed in Romans 1 to Understand What Are Sins in the Bible?
In the first chapter of Romans, Paul writes about what happens when a society turns from God. When people refuse to honor God, He “gives them over” to their sins. The list that follows is a dark and full picture of how people act without God.
Romans 1:29-31 lists people who are “filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy.”
This list is scary. It shows how one sin (turning from God) leads to a total loss of what is right. It mixes actions (murder), feelings (envy, pride), and broken relationships (disobeying parents, having no love).
What are sins in the bible according to the Old Testament Law?
The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20) are the base of God’s moral law in the Old Testament. These ten rules are a simple summary of how we should treat God and other people. They tell us not to worship idols, misuse God’s name, murder, commit adultery, steal, or lie.
Christians are not under the Old Testament’s special rules for ceremonies or government. But the moral law in the Ten Commandments still shows us God’s holy nature. Jesus Himself backed these commands. He taught that they are all summed up in two great commands: love God with all your heart, and love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37-40). The law shows us the “mark” we should aim for. And by showing us that, it shows us we need a Savior who hit the mark for us.
What Are Sins in the Bible and Is There an “Unforgivable Sin”?
This question makes many believers feel scared. Jesus says in Matthew 12:31-32, “And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven… Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come.”
What is this sin that cannot be forgiven? It is not saying a bad word when you are mad. It is not one act that God is not able to forgive. In the verses, Jesus is talking to the Pharisees. They saw His clear miracles, which were done by the Holy Spirit. But they said His power came from Satan.
Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit is seen as a final, hard-hearted rejection of God. It is when a person sees the clear truth about Jesus, understands it, and still chooses to reject Him. They call the good work of God’s Spirit evil. It is “unforgivable” not because God’s grace is too small. It is because the person has closed their heart for good to the only way to be forgiven. Understanding this distinction is key when exploring what are sins in the bible. That way is the Holy Spirit, who leads us to say we are sorry and trust in Christ.
What Are Sins in the Bible and What is the Ultimate Solution to Sin?
After looking at the depth and breadth of sin, the situation can feel hopeless. But God provides a beautiful answer.
The Bad News and the Good News
The Bible says, “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). This is the bad news. But the verse does not stop there. It goes on, “…but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This is the wonderful, life-changing Good News of the Gospel! The answer to what are sins in the bible is ultimately found in the solution God provides.
God’s Loving Provision: Jesus Christ
God did not leave us alone in our sin. He loved us so much that He sent His only Son, Jesus. Jesus lived the perfect, sin-free life we could not. Then He died the death we should have died. On the cross, Jesus took the punishment for all our sins. The answer to sin is not trying harder to be a good person. The answer is a Person. His name is Jesus.
How Do We Receive This Forgiveness?
1 John 1:9 gives us this wonderful promise: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” To confess means we agree with God that we have sinned and that we need Him. When we do that and trust in what Jesus did on the cross, we are forgiven. We are made clean and become part of God’s family.
Living in the Freedom of Forgiveness
This is the heart of our Christian faith. Our sin does not define us. Our Savior defines us. For those who want to study the topic of sin more deeply, resources from Christian schools like the Chafer Theological Seminary can be a great help.
In the end, it is so important to know what sin is. It shows us how much we need God’s grace. It makes the great sacrifice of Jesus Christ seem even bigger. And it fills our hearts with thanks for the forgiveness and freedom we can only find in Him. May we all walk in that truth and freedom today.
FAQ – What Are Sins in the Bible
What is the ultimate solution to sin according to the Bible?
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ is the ultimate solution to sin. Through His death and resurrection, He offers forgiveness and eternal life to those who confess their sins and trust in Him, overcoming the penalty and power of sin.
Does the Bible list specific sins, and what can we learn from these lists?
The Bible does not give a single comprehensive list but provides various examples and principles through passages like Galatians 5, Romans 1, and Proverbs 6, which show behaviors and attitudes that oppose God’s will.
What are sins of the heart according to Jesus’ teachings?
Sins of the heart include wrongful feelings and thoughts like anger, lust, and coveting. Jesus emphasized that these internal attitudes are equally serious as external actions, highlighting the importance of purity in heart and mind.
Are there different types or categories of sins in the Bible?
Yes, sins are generally categorized into sins of commission, which are active wrong actions like stealing, and sins of omission, which are failing to do what is right, such as not helping someone in need, as exemplified in Matthew 25.
What is the meaning of sin in the Bible?
In the Bible, sin means ‘missing the mark,’ referring to falling short of God’s perfect goodness, much like an archer missing the target. It encompasses actions, feelings, or thoughts that go against God’s law and holy nature.
