One of the most commonly mistranslated Hebrew words is chait, which we usually see translated as "sin."
Sin is one of those words we tend to find repellant.Many of us grew up in non-Jewish societies and as a result of that influence we think of sin as some horrible evil, connected with endless guilt, eternal damnation and a host of other associations that are equally unpalatable.
Does chait really mean that?
No.
The meaning of the word is usually defined by the context of how it is used. So for example, In the Book of Judges (20:16), slingers from the tribe of Benjamin are described as being so good with their weapon that they can "aim at a hair and not chait."
Could this mean to "aim at a hair and not sin"? It makes no sense.
Could this mean to "aim at a hair and not sin"? It makes no sense. Obviously the text means to aim at a hair and not "miss," i.e. not to hit off target.
Another example is in the Book of Kings I (1:21). King David is on his death bed and his wife, Bathsheba, comes to him and says, "If Solomon does not become king after you then Solomon and I will be chataim." Solomon and Bathsheba will be sinners? It means that Solomon and Bathsheba will not reach their potential, will not make the grade, will not measure up.
A third example: The Hebrew for one of the many sacrificial offering is chatot, from the same root as the word chait. This offering -- called in English a "sin offering" -- can only be brought for something done unintentionally.In fact, if a person purposely committed a violation, he is forbidden to bring a chatot. It is truly a "mistake offering" rather than a "sin offering."
"Off target," "not reaching the mark," "mistake," and "unintentional" are all indications that the word chait does not mean "sin."
A more accurate translation of the Hebrew chait is "error" or "mistake."
A more accurate translation of the Hebrew chait is "error" or "mistake."
People don't "sin." People make mistakes. After all, we are human. And the Jewish way is to learn from our mistakes. We apologize, clean up any mess, and move on with life.
Of course, there can be real ramifications to our mistakes.
If a glass of milk is dropped, the milk is gone and the glass is shattered. So what do we do?
We deal with the fallout and fix what we can. Our amends may include a sincere apology, removing the shards, getting the carpet cleaned and buying a new bottle of milk. But we do not become steeped in guilt over our "sin."
Note that there are other words in Hebrew which are also mistranslated as "sin," but which convey a more serious misdeed than an error.To cite two examples: avon, refers to willful, knowing transgression of God's law where one's desires get the upper hand; pesha, refers to a willful transgression done specifically to spite God.
However, the most common word translated as "sin" is chait. The "sin" of Adam and Eve was chait, a mistake.
So many of the concepts we may have in our minds may really not be Jewish at all. Taking a fresh look can give us great insights and clarity -- and tips to make our lives more meaningful.
(22) Lisa, August 1, 2020 5:24 AM
1 Yochanan 3:4
Shabbath Shalom,
Sin is the transgression of the torah. This is how I know it to be. I agree and understand what you have written in your article on the misunderstood meaning of the word for sin. I felt like you down graded the severity of sin but yet in another exaggerated how one feels about commiting a sin. I suppose its all about one's lack of understanding of the Torah. I started learning Hebrew from your mind set, trying to learn the culture, proper understanding of your Hebrew culture, not the Judaic side. I love what YHVH has given humanity, its a shame that people don't want to adhere to what it says. People in Germany thought my mother was Jewish, I have no way of confirming this. There is so much the WEST needs to learn.
Thank you for your article.
Shalom
(21) RB, July 25, 2020 8:07 AM
Then, the sacrifices covered...?
The sacrifices mentioned in the Torah... What type of "chait" (or other type of "sin") do/did they cover? Surely even the life of an animal is valuable (I.e. the bird nest commandm.)
(20) Pam, April 11, 2020 9:07 AM
Interesting
This makes sense. Sin sounds so arbitrary & people tend to be more naive than deliberately sinful & evil.
(19) Sword or olive branch, February 24, 2020 4:19 PM
Enjoyed the article
If you have two lines, one straight and the other off by a 16th- as the length of the lines increase, so does the space of the line off by a 16th increase as well... this is why MISTRANSLATIONS are so DANGEROUS, because as time moves forward so does the space between what was actually meant then and what is meant now becomes WORLDS OF IDEAS APART. The original is a better teaching mechanism than the freestyles we have today!
(18) Eugene Jappah, October 20, 2019 4:43 AM
Whatever, as I have nothing to hide
The discussion on sin is huge for me - it opens me to a lot of thoughts. But I am so happy that there can be other explanation to what we thought we know to be true. Be reminded that I'm not a Christian but a child of GOD. THANKS eugene
(17) James B, July 25, 2019 3:30 PM
This was very interesting and still have some other questions
(16) Kevin, June 27, 2019 10:28 AM
Meaning of sin
Often a concept can be understood by consideration of its opposite. So what would be the opposite of sin ?
(15) Aidan McLaughlin, January 25, 2019 10:32 PM
Everything was made good but don, t forget the transitional process perrhaps!??"
(14) Jack Bremer, January 24, 2019 2:22 AM
Enlightening and stimulating!
Loved it - I learned something!
(13) Anonymous, August 8, 2018 4:20 AM
Not sure who told you chait meant sin but you're completely lost for thinking it did.
(12) Sc, April 28, 2018 7:43 PM
You nailed it!
I have been trying to figure this out since I learned whete the word Sin actuallu came from. I believe error or mistake IS the correct translation and Sin is a deliberate replacement of the word not a translation of it.
(11) Anonymous, January 18, 2018 9:02 PM
sin of Adam
I fouind one. Derech Hashem 1 3:7 Adam Harishon would have achieved this had he not sinned(chata)
(10) Will R, June 26, 2017 9:01 PM
Thank you for the article on chait.
So in light of spilling a glass of milk, shattering the glass and then cleaning it up and buying new milk, what happens if one gets into an argument with a spouse and accidently kills them, I'm guessing they don't just clean up the mess and get a new spouse. Or if a serious offense like murder is committed, how does one receive forgiveness for this action?
(9) David, August 30, 2011 10:40 PM
...or Pesha if its meaning is rebellion?
...or perhaps the word should be Pesha for A and Es sins because it was rebellious for them to disobey God's clear command? How would you define Avon and Pesha? Transgression or iniquity? David
(8) David, August 30, 2011 10:34 PM
Adam and Eves sin chait? Not Avon?
Hi Rabbi, Thank you for your article on sit it was very informative :-) May I ask you something about what you said in it? You said that Adam and Eves sins were chait, but they would be Avon wouldn't they? As it was willful disobedience to a clear command of God? David
(7) brent willis, February 24, 2007 1:36 PM
Thank you for this article. I think sometimes the very guilt that we are left with after making a mistake is far more destructive than the mistake ever was in the first place. Live life as best you can and learn what you can from where you fall short. Then move on.. Thanks..
(6) Erik Chait, July 8, 2002 12:00 AM
Very Interesting!
I enjoyed your article
(5) Carl CooK, February 27, 2002 12:00 AM
So a mistake brought upon all men loss of paradise!
I Thought the word "avon" would have been used. However with Gd a mistake is mans loss of focus on what Gd said his Word. This mistake caused mans death and loss of innocense. Thank you for your insights! Carl
(4) Stuart Simpson, July 17, 2001 12:00 AM
I believe the Rabbi has missed the mark
""the most common word translated as "sin" is chait. The "sin" of Adam and Eve was chait, a mistake.""
I respectfully disagree with your analogy. If the "sin" or "non sin" of Adam and Eve. From Bereishis 3:14 HaShem said " Because you have done this, accursed are you beyond all the cattle and beyond all beasts of the field".
Does this really sound like they made a little mistake, like dropping the glass of milk?
With Respect
Stuart Simpson
The author responds: Please do not confuse the fact that something is a mistake with the importance of the action. A mistake like taking the wrong medicine can have fatal consequences, yet it is very different from a willful suicide.
(3) Robin Martin, July 16, 2001 12:00 AM
Very Good!
Very interesting article, and I am happy to have a better understanding of this subject. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Robin Martin, Bible student
(2) Carlos Ouro, June 28, 2001 12:00 AM
It is very very important to know.
So many word that came from Hebrew has been mistranslated.
Thank you very much
(1) Harold Greene, February 10, 2001 12:00 AM
Appreciation!
Thank you for the scholarly teaching on a subject........horribly abused. One thing would I humbly ask, please include more Bible references as part of the articles.