from חָטָא; a crime or its penalty; fault, [idiom] grievously, offence, (punishment of) sin.
Transliteration:chêṭᵉʼ
Pronunciation:khate
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew noun chêṭᵉʼ (חֵטְא, `{{H2399}}`) is derived directly from the verbal root chāṭāʼ (חָטָא, `{{H2398}}`), which fundamentally means "to miss the mark," "to err," "to go astray," or "to sin." As a noun, chêṭᵉʼ encapsulates the *act* of sin, the *state* of guilt resulting from it, and even the *penalty* or *punishment* due to it. This dual aspect—the transgression itself and its consequence—is critical to understanding its full semantic range.
Its core meaning thus encompasses:
* **Fault/Offense:** A deviation from a prescribed standard, whether divine, moral, or legal.
* **Crime:** A more serious, actionable transgression, often with legal implications.
* **Sin:** The broad concept of disobedience or rebellion against God's will.
* **Penalty/Punishment of Sin:** Distinctively, chêṭᵉʼ can refer not just to the act but to the retributive outcome or the burden of guilt that sin incurs. This highlights the inherent justice associated with transgression.
* **Grievously (idiom):** In certain idiomatic constructions, it emphasizes the severity or magnitude of the offense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term chêṭᵉʼ appears numerous times throughout the Old Testament, illustrating its diverse applications:
* **Genesis 20:9:** Abimelech confronts Abraham, asking, "What chêṭᵉʼ (fault/sin) have I committed against you, that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great chêṭᵉʼ (sin/guilt)?" Here, the word is used twice: first referring to the specific offense committed by Abraham's deception, and second to the collective guilt or divine judgment brought upon Abimelech's household as a result. This highlights the concept of corporate responsibility and divine retribution.
* **Exodus 32:30:** Moses declares to the Israelites after the golden calf incident, "You yourselves have committed a great chêṭᵉʼ (sin)." This refers to the grave act of idolatry, a direct breach of the covenant. The context underscores the severity of this particular transgression against God.
* **Leviticus 22:9:** In the context of priestly regulations, it states that priests must not profane holy things, "lest they bear chêṭᵉʼ (sin/guilt) for it." Here, chêṭᵉʼ signifies the culpability or defilement incurred by an improper act, emphasizing ritual purity and the consequences of violating cultic laws.
* **Numbers 27:3:** The daughters of Zelophehad argue their father died "for his own chêṭᵉʼ (sin)," referring to his participation in Korah's rebellion. This points to chêṭᵉʼ as a specific, identifiable act of rebellion with fatal consequences.
* **Deuteronomy 19:15:** In legal settings, it states that a single witness is insufficient "for any chêṭᵉʼ (crime) or for any chêṭᵉʼ (offense) which he has committed." Here, chêṭᵉʼ functions within human jurisprudence, denoting a punishable offense.
* **2 Kings 17:21:** Describing the division of the kingdom, it notes that Jeroboam "drove Israel from following the LORD and made them commit great chêṭᵉʼ (sin)." This illustrates chêṭᵉʼ as the outcome of spiritual leadership that leads a people away from God, emphasizing the corporate dimension of sin.
* **Psalm 32:5:** "I acknowledged my chêṭᵉʼ (sin) to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden." In this confessional psalm, chêṭᵉʼ refers to personal moral transgression, emphasizing the act of confession and the path to forgiveness.
* **Proverbs 10:16:** "The labor of the righteous leads to life, the gain of the wicked to chêṭᵉʼ (sin)." Here, chêṭᵉʼ represents the inherent outcome or destiny of the wicked—their actions inevitably lead to sin or its destructive consequences.
* **Isaiah 53:12:** A pivotal messianic prophecy: "He bore the chêṭᵉʼ (sin) of many, and interceded for the transgressors." This profound usage refers to the Suffering Servant taking upon Himself the guilt and penalty of humanity's sin, prefiguring the atoning work of Christ.
Across these contexts, chêṭᵉʼ consistently denotes a serious breach of divine or human law, carrying inherent guilt and consequences.
### Related Words & Concepts
chêṭᵉʼ exists within a rich vocabulary for sin in the Hebrew Bible, often overlapping but also offering distinct nuances:
* **chāṭāʼ (חָטָא, `{{H2398}}`):** The verbal root from which chêṭᵉʼ is derived. While chāṭāʼ emphasizes the *action* of missing the mark or erring, chêṭᵉʼ focuses on the *result*—the sin itself, the guilt, or the penalty.
* **'āwōn (עָוֹן, `{{H5771}}`):** Typically translated as "iniquity" or "guilt." This term often carries the nuance of perversity, twistedness, or moral distortion, and can also refer to the punishment for such perversity. It frequently highlights the burden of guilt.
* **peshaʻ (פֶּשַׁע, `{{H6588}}`):** Usually rendered "transgression" or "rebellion." This word implies a deliberate breaking of a covenant or a revolt against an authority, particularly God's. It suggests a more willful and defiant act than simply "missing the mark."
* **rāʻāh (רָעָה, `{{H7451}}`):** A broader term meaning "evil," "wickedness," or "harm." It describes anything that is morally bad, harmful, or displeasing.
* **'asham (אָשָׁם, `{{H817}}`):** "Guilt," "trespass," or "guilt offering." This term often refers to unintentional sin or trespass, particularly those requiring restitution or a specific cultic offering for atonement.
These terms, while distinct, often appear in parallel or complementary ways, providing a comprehensive picture of human fallenness and the multi-faceted nature of sin before a holy God.
### Theological Significance
The theological implications of chêṭᵉʼ are profound and foundational to biblical theology:
* **Definition of Sin:** chêṭᵉʼ defines sin not merely as a mistake or an imperfection, but as an active deviation from God's revealed will and character. It is an offense against a holy and righteous God, a "missing of the mark" of divine perfection.
* **Consequences of Sin:** The inherent dual meaning of chêṭᵉʼ (act and penalty) underscores the inescapable link between transgression and its just recompense. Sin is not without consequence; it incurs guilt, defilement, and ultimately, divine judgment. This emphasizes God's justice and the seriousness with which He views disobedience.
* **Universality and Pervasiveness:** The widespread use of chêṭᵉʼ in the Old Testament, applied to individuals, families, nations, and even the priesthood, highlights the pervasive and universal nature of sin in the human condition. No one is exempt from its reach or its effects.
* **Need for Atonement and Redemption:** The reality of chêṭᵉʼ necessitates a divine solution. The Old Testament sacrificial system, with its various offerings for sin, pointed to the need for atonement to deal with the guilt and penalty of chêṭᵉʼ. Most significantly, the prophecy in [[Isaiah 53:12]] where the Suffering Servant bears the chêṭᵉʼ of many, establishes the theological groundwork for vicarious atonement, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who takes upon Himself the full weight of humanity's sin and its consequences.
* **God's Holiness and Righteousness:** The very existence and condemnation of chêṭᵉʼ affirm God's absolute holiness and righteousness. His nature is incompatible with sin, demanding a response that upholds His just character while also providing a path for reconciliation.
### Summary
The Hebrew noun chêṭᵉʼ (חֵטְא, `{{H2399}}`), derived from the verb chāṭāʼ (`{{H2398}}`), is a crucial term for understanding sin in the Old Testament. It encompasses not only the act of "missing the mark" or transgressing divine law but also, critically, the resulting guilt and the penalty incurred by such an offense. Its semantic range includes fault, offense, crime, and the punishment of sin. Contextual analysis reveals its application across moral, cultic, and legal spheres, emphasizing breaches of covenant and the accountability of individuals and communities before God. chêṭᵉʼ is distinct yet related to other terms for sin like ʻāwōn (`{{H5771}}`) and peshaʻ (`{{H6588}}`), each contributing to a comprehensive understanding of human fallenness. Theologically, chêṭᵉʼ underscores the pervasive reality and grave consequences of sin, highlighting humanity's inherent guilt and profound need for divine intervention. Its appearance in messianic prophecy, particularly in [[Isaiah 53:12]], where the Servant bears the chêṭᵉʼ of many, provides a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate atoning work of Christ, who perfectly addresses the problem of sin and its penalty.
TRV