Thursday, March 19, 2026
The EmancipatorTHE ETYMOLOGY OF "SIN"?
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:
— Romans 5:12
It is today's English language that blurs the understanding of certain truths of scripture but writers in the ancient languages of the scripture, didn't have much of such difficulties. For instance, the etymology of the word "sin" plainly corroborates our contextual definition of sin yesterday. "Sin" as used in our main verse is from the Greek word, "hamartia" which derives from "ha" as a negative particle and the base of "meros" which is from the primary form of "meiromai" and means to get a section, portion, share or allotment. Thus "ha-meros" from where we get "harmatia" means to lose or miss getting one's allotment or portion. In other words, it means to miss the mark or the appointed position. Therefore, Adam gained an awareness that distorted his self-image and place of function as God's image and ruler over creation. This is the technical meaning of sin.
By the power of the Spirit, I am relocated from every distortion of my self-image and place of function in divine plan in Jesus' Name.