What is hamartiology?
Quick answer
Hamartiology (from "hamartia" — "sin, missing the mark") is the doctrine of sin — what it is, where it came from, how it has affected humanity, and how God deals with it.
Sin is missing God’s mark — both falling short of his glory and willfully rebelling against him.
Through Adam, sin entered the human race; every human is fallen, both in inherited corruption (original sin) and individual acts.
Sin is the disease the gospel cures. Right understanding of sin makes the cross beautiful and salvation precious.
Related
Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.