What Does Amiss Mean In The Bible

Complete Explanation

The word ‘amiss’ in English Bible translations (such as the King James Version, New King James Version, and others) refers to something that is improper, wrong, or sinful. It is used to translate various Hebrew and Greek terms, including ‘avon (iniquity) and kakos (evil). Key biblical passages include:

• Job 1:22 (KJV):
  ‘In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly’ — the margin notes or alternate translations render ‘foolishly’ as ‘amiss’, meaning Job did not say anything wrong against God.
• 1 Peter 2:12 (KJV):
  ‘Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.’ The phrase ‘as evildoers’ is translated from the Greek kakopoiōn, which is sometimes rendered ‘doing amiss’.
• James 5:16 (KJV):
  ‘Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.’ The word ‘faults’ (paraptōmata) can also be translated ‘amiss’ or ‘trespasses’, indicating moral lapses.

The concept of ‘amiss’ carries a sense of deviation from a standard of uprightness, either in speech, action, or thought. It is not limited to minor infractions but can refer to serious sin, as seen in Job’s context where speaking amiss would imply accusing God of wrongdoing.

History / Background

The English word ‘amiss’ originates from the Old English phrase on miss, meaning ‘in error’ or ‘astray’. It entered biblical translations primarily through the King James Version (1611), where it was used to render several Hebrew and Greek terms denoting moral wrongness—such as ‘avon (iniquity), ra‘ (evil), and kakos (bad, evil) in the New Testament. In the centuries following the KJV, many modern translations (e.g., NIV, ESV) have replaced ‘amiss’ with more direct terms like ‘wrong’, ‘evil’, or ‘sin’, but the KJV and NKJV retain it. The term appears in both the Old Testament (e.g., Job 1:22, 2 Samuel 13:16) and the New Testament (1 Peter 2:12, James 5:16), always in contexts involving human conduct relative to God’s moral law.

Importance and Impact

The use of ‘amiss’ in Scripture highlights the biblical theme that sin is not merely a list of prohibited actions but a state of being out of alignment with God’s order. It underscores the seriousness of even seemingly small deviations from righteousness. The term has influenced Christian theology by reinforcing the need for confession and repentance, as seen in James 5:16. Historically, understanding ‘amiss’ helped English-speaking congregations grasp the gravity of improper speech and behavior, especially in the context of Job’s integrity and Peter’s exhortation to holy living. Its retention in liturgical and devotional language continues to shape how believers reflect on their moral failures.

Why It Matters

For modern readers, ‘amiss’ serves as a concise reminder that sin includes any departure from God’s standards, whether in word, deed, or attitude. It encourages self-examination and accountability within Christian communities. Recognizing that the Bible uses this term to describe both overt sins and subtle errors helps believers appreciate the breadth of biblical ethics. In personal devotion or group study, the concept of ‘amiss’ prompts a humble acknowledgment of one’s shortcomings and a reliance on God’s grace for restoration.

Common Misconceptions