What is sin?
Quick answer
Sin is anything that breaks God’s law and falls short of his character — in action, word, thought, or attitude. At its root, sin is turning away from God to go our own way.
The Bible describes sin as “falling short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) — missing the mark of what we were made to be. It includes wrong things we do and good things we fail to do.
Deeper than individual acts, sin is a condition: a heart bent toward self instead of God. This is why everyone needs rescue, not just better behavior.
The good news is that the same Bible that diagnoses sin announces the cure — forgiveness and a new heart through Jesus.
Related
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.