What is the origin of the word "sin"?

Question

When was it first used and by whom?

Answer 1

The English word sin derives from Old English synn., recorded in use as early as the 9th century.[1] The same root appears in several other Germanic languages, e.g. Old Norse synd, or German Sünde. There is presumably a Germanic root *sun(d)jō (literally "it is true").[2] The word may derive, ultimately, from *es-, one of the Proto-Indo-European roots that meant "to be," and is a present participle, "being." Latin, also has an old present participle of esse in the word sons, sont-, which came to mean "guilty" in Latin.[citation needed] The root meaning would appear to be, "it is true;" that is, "the charge has been proven." The Greek word hamartia (ἁμαρτία) is usually translated as sin in the New Testament; it means "to miss the mark" or "to miss the target".

Answer 2

Old English synn. The same root appears in several other Germanic languages, e.g., Old Norse synd, or German Sünde. The word may derive, ultimately, from one of the Indo-European roots that meant "to be,"

The root meaning would appear to be, "it is true;" that is, "the charge has been proven." The Greek word ἁμαρτία (hamartia) is often translated as sin in the New Testament; it means "to miss the mark" or "to miss the target.

Answer 3

Well, Wikipedia has some remarks on the etymology of the word:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin#Etymology

(Of course, it's wikipedia, so take it with a grain of salt and perhaps a shot of vodka.)

But the concept -- of doing something wrong -- I think is ingrained in our biology. If you broadly define sin that way, what I consider sin and what Christians consider sin varies differently. If you define sin as being an act committed against God, I don't think sin exists.

Answer 4

The word itself is from Old English synn, meaning offense or misdeed, and according to Random House unabridged it dates from before 900 AD.

In terms of classic works of literature which can be reliably dated, it appears in the Canterbury Tales (Prologue and Canon's Yeoman's Tale) (dates 1380-1390) and in Beowulf ch. 40. (latest date of authorship c. 1000 AD). I have a hunch it'll show up in various contemporaneous ballads as well; search for possible references there.

Answer 5

I'm sure every culture/language has a word for sin, so I suppose it goes back to the beginning of human awareness. I think it must have something to do with being selfish; acting out of selfish desire instead of doing what is best for the whole.

Answer 6

See here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sin#Etymology

Answer 7

it comes from the Middle English word syn, meaning offense or misdeed. c. 900

Answer 8

[Origin: bef. 900; (n.) ME; OE syn(n) offense, misdeed; akin to G Sünde, ON synd sin, L sōns guilty; (v.) deriv. of the n., r. ME sin(i)gen, syn(i)gen, OE syngian, itself deriv. of the n.]
http://www.wordorigins.org/index.php/big_list/

Answer 9

When Cain gave his sacrifice to God, God was not delighted to say the least, and that he(cain) missed the mark on how he(Cain) was to worship Him(God), It means to Miss the Mark.

Answer 10

i think it actually is an archery term

it means to miss the mark