scripture defines sin as mortal and veniel?

Question

5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.
5:16 If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.

5:17 All unrighteousness is sin: and there is a sin not unto death.
do you believe this, or do you believe it means something other than what it tells us? Please do not add meaning to scripture to fit what you believe. Scripture is clear here. thanks serious replys only

Answer 1

Yes. "Mortal" means "deadly", or "unto death". "Venial" means "easily forgiven", and as the scripture says, just a prayer is all that is needed. It also says that mortal (spiritually deadly) sin cannot be forgiven this way. Something more is needed. The early Church understood that what was needed for forgiveness of deadly sin was sacramental confession.

Answer 2

You posted the English version of a passage from the New Testament. The New Testament letters were written in Greek. The word for sin is amartyria. It is the opposite of the word martyr which means witness. Sin in the New Testament is negative testamony to Jesus Christ. So THE SIN unto death is absolute rejection of Jesus Christ.