Missing the mark? (sin)

[Harold Kupp]

MISSING THE MARK?

When the question of sin comes up Christian teachers are quick to
point out that sin has to do with "missing the mark".

The Greek word Sin hamartia (G264) is derived from the root word
hamartanō (G266) which historically was an archers term that means
to "miss the mark" . (See definitons below:

With that in mind, Modern Christianity in an attempt to trivialize
willful sin often says something like this:

"Therefore to sin merely means to miss the mark; which seems to be a
small thing since nobody hits the mark every time - right? After all
nobody is perfect."

To understand the true meaning it must be understood that the root
word meant much more than just missing the bulls eye from time to
time. It means to miss the mark and so not share in the prize.

For example: Think of a King gathering an army of archers and he had
them tested to see if they could hit a target with their bow an
arrow. Those who missed the mark were disqualified.

That is the sense of the Greek word "hamartanō" The archer did not
get more chances - it was miss and out. The word denotes failure
with consequences.

In the Biblical sense the word "sin" which is derived from
"hamartanō" refers to those who miss the mark by breaking God's
commandments - that was how John used it in context concerning willful
sin.

1Jn 3:4 Whosoever committeth SIN transgresseth also the law:
for SIN is the transgression of the law.

Those who sin ignorantly have missed the mark God has established in
the ten commandments. They can be forgiven.

Those who commit sin (miss the mark) willfuly, are not children of
God.

1Jn 3:8 He that committeth sin is of the devil
1Jn 3:9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin;

Definitions:
G266 hamartia sin - offence, sin (-ful). -From G264;

(G264 hamartanō properly to miss the mark (and so not share in
the prize),