Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "sinner" refers to an individual who transgresses against the divine law of God. The concept of sin and sinners is central to the biblical narrative, highlighting the fallen nature of humanity and the need for redemption through Jesus Christ.Old Testament Understanding The Old Testament frequently addresses the nature of sin and the identity of sinners. In Hebrew, the word often translated as "sinner" is "חָטָא" (chata), which means to miss the mark or to err. This concept is evident in the account of Adam and Eve, whose disobedience in the Garden of Eden introduced sin into the world (Genesis 3). The Psalms and Proverbs frequently contrast the righteous with sinners, emphasizing the consequences of sin. For example, Psalm 1:1 states, "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor set foot on the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of mockers." The prophets also spoke against sin and sinners, calling the people of Israel to repentance. Isaiah 1:18-20 offers a poignant invitation: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken." New Testament Perspective In the New Testament, the Greek word for sinner is "ἁμαρτωλός" (hamartolos), which similarly conveys the idea of missing the mark. The New Testament expands on the concept of sin and sinners, emphasizing the universality of sin and the need for salvation through Jesus Christ. Romans 3:23 declares, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Jesus' ministry was marked by His interactions with sinners, demonstrating God's love and mercy. In Luke 5:32, Jesus states, "I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance." This highlights the mission of Christ to seek and save the lost, offering forgiveness and reconciliation with God. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the condition of sinners and the transformative power of the Gospel. In 1 Timothy 1:15, Paul writes, "This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst." This acknowledgment of personal sinfulness underscores the grace available through faith in Christ. Theological Implications Theologically, the concept of a sinner is foundational to understanding the human condition and the necessity of divine intervention. Sin separates humanity from God, and without redemption, sinners face eternal consequences. However, the Bible presents a message of hope, as articulated in John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." The role of the sinner in the biblical narrative is not merely to highlight human failure but to point to the redemptive work of Christ. Through repentance and faith, sinners are offered forgiveness and a restored relationship with God, as seen in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Practical Application For believers, understanding the nature of sin and the identity of sinners is crucial for spiritual growth and evangelism. Christians are called to recognize their own sinfulness, seek God's forgiveness, and extend grace to others. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) compels believers to share the message of salvation with all, inviting sinners to experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) One who has sinned; especially, one who has sinned without repenting; hence, a persistent and incorrigible transgressor; one condemned by the law of God.2. (v. i.) To act as a sinner. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia SINNERsin'-er (chaTTa; hamartolos, "devoted to sin," "erring one"): In the New Testament, in addition to its ordinary significance of one that sins (Luke 5:8; Luke 13:2 Romans 5:8, 19 1 Timothy 1:15 Hebrews 7:26), the term is applied to those who lived in disregard of ceremonial prescription (Matthew 9:10, 11 Mark 2:15 Luke 5:30 Galatians 2:15); to those stained with certain definite vices or crimes, as the publicans (Luke 15:2; Luke 18:13; Luke 19:7); to the heathen (Matthew 26:45 Galatians 2:15; compare Tobit 13:6; 1 Maccabees 1:34; 2 Maccabees 2:48, 62); to the preeminently sinful (Mark 8:38 John 9:24, 31 Galatians 2:17 1 Timothy 1:9 Jude 1:15). It was the Jewish term for a woman of ill-fame (Luke 7:37; compare Matthew 21:32, where it is stated that such had come even to John's baptism also). For the general Biblical conception of the term, see SIN. Greek 268. hamartolos -- sinful ... sinful. Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: hamartolos Phonetic Spelling: (ham-ar-to-los') Short Definition: sinning, sinful, a sinner Definition: sinning ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/268.htm - 7k 3781. opheiletes -- a debtor 2644. katallasso -- to reconcile Strong's Hebrew 2400. chatta -- sinful, sinners... offender, sinful, sinner. Intensively from chata'; a criminal, or one accounted guilty -- offender, sinful, sinner. see HEBREW chata'. 2399, 2400. ... /hebrew/2400.htm - 6k 2403b. chattath -- sin, sin offering 2398. chata -- to miss, go wrong, sin Library The Hardened Sinner. The Sinner's Friend The Death of a Sinner. On the Justification of Man as a Sinner, but yet a Believer ... The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; December the Eighteenth the Sinner's Guest The Sinner Sentenced. The Death of a Sinner. I, Patrick, a Sinner, a Most Simple Countryman... The Woman which was a Sinner Thesaurus Sinner (88 Occurrences)... by the law of God. 2. (vi) To act as a sinner. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SINNER. sin'-er (chaTTa; hamartolos, "devoted ... /s/sinner.htm - 32k Sinner's (2 Occurrences) Notorious (16 Occurrences) Faith (769 Occurrences) Wrath (503 Occurrences) Anger (387 Occurrences) Reconciliation (11 Occurrences) Reconcile (10 Occurrences) Baptismal (1 Occurrence) Revelation (52 Occurrences) Resources What is a sinner? | GotQuestions.orgAre we to love the sinner but hate the sin? | GotQuestions.org What is prevenient grace? | GotQuestions.org Sinner: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Sinner (88 Occurrences)Matthew 5:45 Luke 5:8 Luke 7:37 Luke 7:39 Luke 15:7 Luke 15:10 Luke 18:13 Luke 19:7 John 8:46 John 9:16 John 9:24 John 9:25 Romans 3:7 1 Corinthians 5:11 1 Corinthians 14:24 1 Timothy 2:14 Titus 3:11 Hebrews 11:31 James 2:25 James 5:20 1 Peter 4:18 1 John 2:1 1 John 3:4 1 John 3:6 1 John 3:8 1 John 3:9 Genesis 18:25 Exodus 20:7 Deuteronomy 5:11 1 Samuel 14:39 2 Samuel 19:19 Job 8:22 Job 9:20 Job 9:22 Job 10:2 Job 18:5 Job 18:21 Job 20:5 Job 27:7 Job 27:8 Job 31:3 Job 36:5 Psalms 1:6 Psalms 10:15 Psalms 11:5 Psalms 32:10 Psalms 34:21 Psalms 37:12 Psalms 37:21 Psalms 39:1 Psalms 50:16 Psalms 71:4 Psalms 107:42 Psalms 109:2 Psalms 112:10 Proverbs 2:14 Proverbs 9:7 Proverbs 10:25 Proverbs 11:8 Proverbs 11:18 Proverbs 11:31 Proverbs 12:12 Proverbs 12:13 Proverbs 13:6 Proverbs 13:9 Proverbs 13:21 Proverbs 13:22 Proverbs 14:11 Proverbs 14:21 Proverbs 14:32 Proverbs 15:6 Proverbs 16:4 Proverbs 17:23 Proverbs 21:26 Ecclesiastes 2:26 Ecclesiastes 7:26 Ecclesiastes 8:8 Ecclesiastes 8:12 Ecclesiastes 9:2 Ecclesiastes 9:18 Isaiah 3:11 Isaiah 5:23 Isaiah 35:8 Isaiah 43:27 Isaiah 55:7 Isaiah 65:20 Nahum 1:3 Malachi 3:18 Subtopics Related Terms Tax-gatherers (16 Occurrences) Transgressors (19 Occurrences) |
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