(Aramaic) from a root corresponding to חָטָא; an offence; sin.
Transliteration:chăṭîy
Pronunciation:khat-ee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic word chăṭîy (חֲטִי, `{{H2408}}`) is derived from a root corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H2398}}` (חָטָא, ḥāṭāʾ), which fundamentally means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to fall short." Consequently, chăṭîy carries the core semantic range of "an offense" or "sin." It denotes a transgression, a deviation from a prescribed standard, particularly in a moral or religious context. Unlike some terms that might imply accidental error, chăṭîy, by its connection to ḥāṭāʾ, often encompasses both unintentional and intentional acts that fall short of divine expectation, leading to guilt and separation.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word chăṭîy (`{{H2408}}`) appears only once in the biblical text, specifically in the Aramaic portion of the book of Ezra.
* [[Ezra 9:6]]: In this verse, Ezra offers a profound prayer of confession, stating, "O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads, and our guilt has reached to the heavens." The Masoretic Text here uses chăṭîy (חֲטִי) to denote "our guilt" or "our sin." The context is one of deep corporate repentance for the transgressions of the people of Israel, particularly their intermarriage with foreign peoples, which violated the Mosaic Law and the covenant with God. Ezra identifies with the sin of the community, acknowledging the overwhelming burden and pervasive nature of their collective offense. The use of chăṭîy in this singular, powerful confession highlights the severe and pervasive nature of the sin that had accumulated over generations, leading to the Babylonian exile and continuing to plague the returning community.
### Related Words & Concepts
As an Aramaic term, chăṭîy (`{{H2408}}`) is conceptually and etymologically linked to its Hebrew counterpart, `{{H2398}}` (חָטָא, ḥāṭāʾ), the primary verb for "to sin," and its related noun forms such as `{{H2403}}` (חַטָּאת, ḥaṭṭāʾt), which means "sin," "sin offering," or "purification offering." These terms share the fundamental idea of missing a target or deviating from a path, which in a theological sense signifies a departure from God's righteous standards. Other related Hebrew words that describe aspects of sin include:
* `{{H6588}}` (פֶּשַׁע, peshaʿ): "transgression," "rebellion," often implying a deliberate breaking of a covenant or relationship.
* `{{H5771}}` (עָוֹן, ʿāwōn): "iniquity," "guilt," often emphasizing the perversity or crookedness of the act and the resultant burden of guilt.
While these Hebrew terms offer nuanced distinctions, chăṭîy serves as the direct Aramaic equivalent for the general concept of "sin" or "offense" within its limited biblical context, conveying the profound sense of moral failure.
### Theological Significance
The singular occurrence of chăṭîy (`{{H2408}}`) in [[Ezra 9:6]] is highly significant for understanding the theological concept of sin in the post-exilic period. Ezra's use of this word in a corporate confession underscores several critical theological points:
1. **Corporate Guilt:** The word emphasizes that sin is not merely individual but can be a collective burden, inherited and perpetuated by a community. Ezra's confession "our guilt" (חֲטִי) highlights the deep-seated nature of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness.
2. **Severity of Sin:** The imagery of sin "reaching to the heavens" powerfully conveys the immense weight and offensive nature of human transgression before a holy God. It is an affront that demands divine attention and judgment.
3. **Prerequisite for Repentance:** The explicit naming and acknowledgment of chăṭîy is a foundational step in the process of national repentance and restoration. True turning to God begins with an honest recognition of one's offense.
4. **Continuity of Understanding:** Despite the shift to Aramaic as a common language during and after the exile, the core understanding of sin as a deviation from God's will remained consistent with the Hebrew tradition. chăṭîy serves as a linguistic bridge, affirming the enduring biblical concept of sin as a fundamental problem requiring divine intervention.
### Summary
The Aramaic word chăṭîy (חֲטִי, `{{H2408}}`) directly translates to "an offense" or "sin," deriving from a root akin to the Hebrew `{{H2398}}` ("to miss the mark"). Its sole biblical appearance in [[Ezra 9:6]] is profoundly significant, occurring within Ezra's heartfelt prayer of corporate confession. Here, chăṭîy denotes the overwhelming and pervasive guilt of the Israelite community, acknowledging their profound deviation from God's covenant. Theologically, this word underscores the gravity and collective nature of sin, highlighting it as a serious breach against divine holiness that necessitates humble confession and repentance. chăṭîy thus serves as a powerful linguistic and theological marker of Israel's enduring recognition of sin as a fundamental human condition requiring divine grace and forgiveness, even in the context of their return from exile.
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