Understanding the differences between iniquity, sin, and transgression is important for every Christian. While these three words are related, they have distinct meanings in the Bible.
Iniquity
In the Bible, iniquity refers to wickedness or immoral behavior that goes against God’s laws. The Hebrew word translated as “iniquity” in the Old Testament is avon which means perversity, moral evil, fault, or depravity. Iniquity refers to an underlying condition of sinfulness and rebellion against God.
Here are some verses that illustrate the meaning of iniquity:
“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them, for their hearts devise violence, and their lips talk of trouble.” (Proverbs 24:1-2 ESV)
“But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5 ESV)
“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.” (Luke 15:5-7 ESV)
These verses show that iniquity refers to inherent sin, rebellion, and wickedness. It is this condition of iniquity that leads someone to commit sinful acts.
Sin
In the Bible, sin refers to an act of disobedience against God. The Hebrew word translated as “sin” in the Old Testament is chata which means to miss, go wrong, incur guilt, or purposely miss the mark. The Greek word translated as “sin” in the New Testament is hamartia which means to miss the mark or stray from the path of righteousness.
Here are some verses that illustrate the meaning of sin:
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” (1 John 1:8-10 ESV)
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—” (Romans 5:12 ESV)
“And when he returned to Capernaum after some days, it was reported that he was at home. And many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even at the door. And he was preaching the word to them. And they came, bringing to him a paralytic carried by four men. And when they could not get near him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him, and when they had made an opening, they let down the bed on which the paralytic lay.” (Mark 2:1-4 ESV)
These verses illustrate how sin refers to the act of disobedience against God such as lying, adultery, stealing, etc. Sin springs from the underlying condition of iniquity in the human heart.
Transgression
In the Bible, transgression refers to crossing a line and violating God’s boundaries. The Hebrew word translated as “transgression” in the Old Testament is pesha which means rebellion or revolt. The Greek word translated as “transgression” in the New Testament is parabasis which means to intentionally cross a line or violate a boundary.
Here are some verse that illustrate the meaning of transgression:
“Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” (Psalm 32:1 ESV)
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” (John 3:36 ESV)
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6-8 ESV)
These verses indicate that transgression refers to a willful crossing of God’s boundaries and His moral laws. It is rebellion against God’s authority.
Summary of the Differences
In summary, here are the key differences between iniquity, sin, and transgression:
- Iniquity refers to the inherent sinful nature of mankind that leads to wickedness.
- Sin refers to acts of disobedience against God and His laws.
- Transgression refers to the willful crossing of boundaries established by God.
Iniquity is the inward motivation that leads to sinful actions. Sin is the outward behavior that violates God’s laws. Transgression is willfully crossing God’s moral boundaries and rebelling against His authority.
King David captured the progression from iniquity to sin to transgression in Psalm 51 when he pleaded with God for forgiveness from his adultery with Bathsheba:
“Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment.” (Psalm 51:5, 4 ESV)
First, David acknowledged the iniquity present from birth as part of the fallen human condition. From that iniquity proceeded sinful acts against God. By committing adultery, David transgressed God’s moral law and crossed God’s boundaries.
So in summary:
- Iniquity = wicked inward condition
- Sin = sinful acts
- Transgression = crossing forbidden lines
Iniquity Leads to Sin and Transgression
According to the Bible, iniquity is the root cause that leads to sin and transgression. When Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3), sin entered the human heart. Ever since, humanity has inherited a sinful nature.
Jeremiah 17:9 describes the human heart as “deceitful above all things and desperately sick.” From birth, human nature is inclined toward sin and wickedness.
This iniquity present in the human heart inevitably leads to sin. James 1:14-15 explains, “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin.” Sinful acts begin in the desires and longings of the heart.
Iniquity also leads to transgression. When innate human sinfulness is left unchecked, people willfully choose to cross moral boundaries and rebel against God’s standards. Isaiah 53:6 says, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one—to his own way.” Going “astray” and turning to “our own way” is the essence of transgression.
At the root of all human sinfulness is the iniquity inherited from Adam. But God provided the solution to iniquity, sin and transgression through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus “bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:24).
Forgiveness for Iniquity, Sin, and Transgression
The Bible offers forgiveness for iniquity, sin, and transgression through Christ’s atoning sacrifice on the cross.
King David again captured this hope when he exclaimed, “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered” (Psalm 32:1). This verse lists transgression, sin, and forgiveness together.
Though iniquity leads inevitably to sin and transgression, Christ offers cleansing for every person who repents and believes the gospel. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Paul the Apostle explained how Jesus redeems us from iniquity: “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). The blood of Christ purges iniquity, sin, and transgression from each person who trusts in Him.
Freedom from Sin’s Power
Not only does Jesus forgive, but He also frees the believer from the power of inherited sin. Romans 6:6-7 says, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.”
Sin’s power is broken by Christ’s death and resurrection. Believers receive a new nature that is righteous and holy, empowered by God’s Spirit. This new nature delights in God’s law and enables the believer to bear good fruit for His kingdom.
Paul explained this profound transformation in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” The old iniquity passes away, and the new nature in Christ produces righteousness.
Iniquity Will Be Eradicated in the New Heavens and New Earth
One day, God promises He will completely purge iniquity from existence for all eternity. Habakkuk 1:13 says God is “of purer eyes than to see evil and cannot look at wrong.” He promises to eradicate wickedness fully from His people and His creation.
The book of Revelation describes the glorious day when God will dwell with His people in the new Jerusalem. “But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false” (Revelation 21:27). Iniquity will be totally abolished.
Until then, believers live in faith that the death and resurrection of Jesus provides rescue from iniquity, sin, and transgression. His grace enables us to walk in the obedience that comes from faith (Romans 1:5).
As 1 John 3:5 marvels, “You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” Jesus came to take away iniquity, sin, and transgression once for all.