The Bible often speaks about sin, transgression, and iniquity, but many people do not fully understand what iniquity means. While sin is a general term for wrongdoing, iniquity carries a deeper meaning. It refers to moral corruption, willful disobedience, and a heart hardened against God.
Understanding iniquity helps us see the seriousness of sin and God's amazing grace. Let’s explore what the Bible says about iniquity, how it differs from other types of sin, and what it means for believers today.
What Is Iniquity?
Iniquity is more than just sin—it is sin at its worst. The Hebrew word for iniquity is avon (עָוֹן), which means "perversity" or "moral corruption." It is not just making a mistake or falling into sin unintentionally; iniquity is deliberate and deeply rooted.
The Difference Between Sin, Transgression, and Iniquity
The Bible uses three main words to describe wrongdoing:
| Term | Definition | Example in Scripture |
|---|---|---|
| Sin (chata) | Falling short, missing the mark | Romans 3:23 – “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” |
| Transgression (pasha) | Rebellion, breaking God’s law | 1 John 3:4 – “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness.” |
| Iniquity (avon) | Twisted, willful, ongoing sin | Isaiah 59:2 – “But your iniquities have separated you from your God.” |
While sin can be unintentional, and transgression involves breaking God’s commands, iniquity is a deeper level of rebellion. It is when a person not only sins but continues in sin without repentance.
Biblical Examples of Iniquity
King David’s Iniquity
One of the most famous examples of iniquity in the Bible is David’s sin with Bathsheba. David did not just sin; he tried to cover it up and even had Bathsheba’s husband killed (2 Samuel 11). In Psalm 51:2, after being confronted, David cried out, “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” This shows that iniquity is more than just wrongdoing—it is a stain that needs cleansing.
The Iniquity of the Israelites
Throughout the Old Testament, Israel repeatedly fell into iniquity by turning to idols, oppressing the poor, and ignoring God’s commands. In Ezekiel 18:30, God calls His people to repent, saying, “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin.”
The Iniquity of the World Before the Flood
Genesis 6:5 describes how wicked the world had become before God sent the flood: “The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” This is a picture of iniquity—hearts fully given over to sin.
God’s Judgment on Iniquity
The Bible is clear that iniquity leads to consequences. Iniquity separates people from God (Isaiah 59:2) and brings about His judgment. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), the exile of Israel (2 Kings 17:7-23), and the punishment of unrepentant nations all show that God takes iniquity seriously.
| Consequence of Iniquity | Bible Reference |
|---|---|
| Separation from God | Isaiah 59:2 |
| Generational impact | Exodus 34:7 |
| Judgment and destruction | Proverbs 16:4 |
God’s Mercy and Forgiveness for Iniquity
While iniquity is serious, the Bible also gives hope. God is merciful and ready to forgive those who repent.
Jesus Bore Our Iniquities
Isaiah 53:5-6 prophesies about Jesus taking on our iniquities:
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed.”
Jesus took the full weight of our iniquities on the cross so that we could be forgiven and made righteous.
God’s Promise to Remove Iniquity
Psalm 103:12 says, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” When we turn to God, He does not just forgive our sins—He removes our iniquities completely.
How to Overcome Iniquity
If iniquity is so serious, how can we avoid falling into it? The Bible gives us practical steps:
- Confess and Repent – Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.”
- Seek God’s Strength – We cannot overcome sin on our own. Psalm 51:10 says, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
- Walk in Obedience – Deuteronomy 6:5 commands us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.”
- Rely on Jesus’ Sacrifice – Hebrews 10:17 reminds us that God says, “Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more.”
Final Thoughts
Iniquity is more than just sin—it is the hardening of the heart against God. The Bible warns of its dangers, but it also shows the power of God’s grace. Through Jesus, our iniquities can be washed away, and we can be restored.
By turning to God in repentance, seeking His strength, and walking in obedience, we can overcome iniquity and live in the freedom of His forgiveness.
