ABSTRACT
In the Bible, sin is understood as a transgression of God's decree. In Biblical Hebrew the word het means 'to miss' or 'to fail'. According to rabbinic Judaism, sins can be classified according to their gravity as indicated by the punishments prescribed by Biblical law. The more serious the punishment, the more serious the offence. In the Bible the concept of repentance is of fundamental importance. Throughout the prophetic books sinners are admonished to give up their evil ways and return to God. According to Jewish teaching, atonement can only be attained after a process of repentance involving the recognition of sin. It requires remorse, restitution, and a determination not to commit a similar offence. Both the Bible and rabbinic sources emphasize that God does not want the death of the sinner, but desires that he return from his evil ways.
