or חַטָּאת; from חָטָא; an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender; punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **chaṭṭâʼâh**, represented by `{{H2403}}`, is a comprehensive term for **sin**. It appears 296 times in 272 unique verses, highlighting its significance in scripture. Derived from the root `{{H2398}}` meaning "to miss," `{{H2403}}` denotes an offence, habitual sinfulness, and its associated penalty. Crucially, it also refers to the sacrifice or expiation for sin, and can even describe an offender.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H2403}}` describes the fundamental separation between humanity and God. Isaiah's prophecy states, "your **sins** have hid his face from you, that he will not hear" [[Isaiah 59:2]]. The term is personified as a lurking danger in [[Genesis 4:7]], where God warns Cain, "**sin** lieth at the door." It is also linked to its inescapable consequences, as seen in the warning to the tribes of Israel, "be sure your **sin** will find you out" [[Numbers 32:23]]. Yet, the concept is consistently paired with the hope of divine pardon, such as God's promise to "forgive their **sin**, and will heal their land" [[2 Chronicles 7:14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the scope of `{{H2403}}`:
* `{{H2398}}` **châṭâʼ** (to sin): This is the primitive root from which **chaṭṭâʼâh** is derived, meaning to miss the mark or err. It is the action of sinning, as when David confesses, "I have **sinned** against the LORD" [[2 Samuel 12:13]].
* `{{H5771}}` **ʻâvôn** (iniquity): This term signifies perversity or moral evil and is often used alongside `{{H2403}}` to describe the depth of wrongdoing. God's character is revealed as one who forgives "**iniquity** and transgression and **sin**" [[Exodus 34:7]].
* `{{H6588}}` **peshaʻ** (transgression): This word implies a conscious revolt or rebellion against authority. The concepts are linked in prophetic promises of restoration, where God blots out **transgressions** and will not remember **sins** [[Isaiah 43:25]].
* `{{H3722}}` **kâphar** (to make an atonement): This word describes the remedy for sin, meaning to cover or expiate. It is used in prophecy to describe the ultimate goal of making **reconciliation** for iniquity and an end of **sins** [[Daniel 9:24]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H2403}}` is profound, defining both the human condition and the means of restoration.
* **The Offence and Its Offering:** The term uniquely encompasses both the problem and its solution. It can mean the **sin** itself [[Isaiah 58:1]] and the **sin offering** required for atonement [[Exodus 29:14]]. This dual meaning establishes the sacrificial system as the direct answer to the offense of sin.
* **Atonement and Forgiveness:** The purpose of the **sin offering** `{{H2403}}` is to make **atonement** `{{H3722}}`, leading to forgiveness `{{H5545}}` [[Leviticus 4:35]]. This connection is foundational to understanding God's provision for dealing with human failure.
* **Prophetic Hope:** Prophets speak of a future day when God will definitively deal with sin. Jeremiah foretells a new covenant where God will "forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their **sin** no more" [[Jeremiah 31:34]]. Zechariah envisions a fountain opened "for **sin** and for uncleanness" [[Zechariah 13:1]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H2403}}` **chaṭṭâʼâh** is a multifaceted term that moves beyond a simple definition of wrongdoing. It encapsulates the act of sin, its state, its consequences, and, most importantly, the divinely appointed remedy through the **sin offering**. The word illustrates the gravity of missing the mark while simultaneously pointing toward the path of reconciliation and forgiveness established by God.
TRV