In the process of translating ancient Hebrew into English, most scholars agree some word meanings can get lost. These lost meaning can be important.
In the translation of the Tanakh, several Hebrew terms get lumped together under the English word “Sin”.
Chait is one of those words. This is frequently identified with archery and can mean missing the target. It is a mistake. An honest attempt was made to hit the bulls-eye but the aim just was not good enough. There was no malice or evil intent, just a missed calculation. Yet sin is sin.
Avon is another word translated “sin.” Almost all the occurrences of Avon have to do with taking advantage of another person. This sin comes from our lack of trust; we take something that is not meant for us because we fear God may not provide.
Pesha is another word translated as sin, and this translation is the most on target. Pesha is sin; knowing and deliberate. It is the willful act against God’s law.
Sin is indeed sin and must be addressed, but Chait, Avon and Pesha are not all the same. Some generate more consequences than others.
There is still more. There is the issue of Kal-V’homer; light and heavy.
The classic description of Kal-V’homer involves Corrie Ten Boom and her family while living in Nazi occupied Holland. In her efforts to save others, she lied to authorities and disobeyed the laws of her nation, for Corrie these were deliberate sins. Kal-V’homer distinguishes light and heavy sins. Consider the consequences if Corrie obeyed the law; many innocent people would die.
Yeshuah addressed this principal many times during His earthly ministry. In John, he healed on the Sabbath. In Matthew, He declared doing good was more important than keeping rules. Also in Matthew, Jesus justified using dedicated bread to feed the hungry. Kal-V’homer has been clearly established as a biblical principal.
Sin is a complicated matter. What appears simple on the surface can be deeper than we think. Consider yourself a shop owner who does not pass on savings to your customer, or a financial advisor selling low performance, high commission annuities.
Perhaps these highlight other reasons not to judge.
In the translation of the Tanakh, several Hebrew terms get lumped together under the English word “Sin”.
Chait is one of those words. This is frequently identified with archery and can mean missing the target. It is a mistake. An honest attempt was made to hit the bulls-eye but the aim just was not good enough. There was no malice or evil intent, just a missed calculation. Yet sin is sin.
Avon is another word translated “sin.” Almost all the occurrences of Avon have to do with taking advantage of another person. This sin comes from our lack of trust; we take something that is not meant for us because we fear God may not provide.
Pesha is another word translated as sin, and this translation is the most on target. Pesha is sin; knowing and deliberate. It is the willful act against God’s law.
Sin is indeed sin and must be addressed, but Chait, Avon and Pesha are not all the same. Some generate more consequences than others.
There is still more. There is the issue of Kal-V’homer; light and heavy.
The classic description of Kal-V’homer involves Corrie Ten Boom and her family while living in Nazi occupied Holland. In her efforts to save others, she lied to authorities and disobeyed the laws of her nation, for Corrie these were deliberate sins. Kal-V’homer distinguishes light and heavy sins. Consider the consequences if Corrie obeyed the law; many innocent people would die.
Yeshuah addressed this principal many times during His earthly ministry. In John, he healed on the Sabbath. In Matthew, He declared doing good was more important than keeping rules. Also in Matthew, Jesus justified using dedicated bread to feed the hungry. Kal-V’homer has been clearly established as a biblical principal.
Sin is a complicated matter. What appears simple on the surface can be deeper than we think. Consider yourself a shop owner who does not pass on savings to your customer, or a financial advisor selling low performance, high commission annuities.
Perhaps these highlight other reasons not to judge.
