The most common NT word for sin is hamartia . Parabasis, “trespass” or “transgression,” literally, means to step across the line. One who steps over a property line has trespassed on another person’s land; the person who steps across God’s standard of righteousness has committed a trespass or transgression. Anomia means “lawlessness” or iniquity” and is a rather general description of sinful acts, referring to almost any action in opposition to God’s standard of righteousness. Poneria, “evil” or

“wickedness,” is even more inclusive than anomia. Adikia, “unrighteousness,” is just the opposite of righteous. In forensic contexts outside the NT, it described one who was on the wrong side of the law. Akatharsia, “uncleanness” or “impurity,” was a cultic word used to describe anything which could cause cultic impurity. It was used quite often to describe vicious acts or sexual sins. Apistia, “unbelief,” literally refers to a lace of faith. To refuse to accept the truth of God by faith is to sin. Hence any action which can be construed as unfaithful or any disposition which is marked by a lack of faith is sinful.

Epithumia, often translated “lust,” is actually a neutral word. Only the context can determine if the desire is good or evil. Jesus said, “I have fervently desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer” (Luke 22:12 HCSB). Paul used this word with a modifier meaning “evil” in Col 3:5, where it is translated” evil concupiscence” or evil desire.” When used in this way, the word could refer to almost any evil desire but was most often used to describe sexual sins (Matt 5:28). END OF PART 2 OF 2.

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