In this 2025 guide, we explore the 12 major sins in the Bible and why they matter for every believer. From pride and greed to lust, envy, and wrath, we’ll explain how these cardinal sins fit into Old Testament commandments and New Testament sin teachings.
Learn the difference between mortal vs venial sins, find Bible verses like Proverbs 16:18 and 1 Timothy 6:10. See how repentance and forgiveness bring God’s grace.
What Is Sin According to the Bible?
In the Old Testament and New Testament, sin is any action, thought, or desire that breaks God’s laws. It covers heart sins, deadly sins, coving, dishonesty, or disobedience.
Moral theology in Christianity says sin separates us from God. For example, 1 John 1:9 teaches about confession and God’s forgiveness.
How the Bible Classifies Major vs. Minor Sins
Christian tradition, especially Catholicism, speaks of cardinal sins, also known as mortal vs venial sins. Grave, or serious, sins require repentance and confession.
Less serious sins harm but don’t break our bond with God. This division helps believers practice spiritual discipline and holy life.
The 12 Major Sins in the Bible – Explained Simply
Below is a simple breakdown of each sin with Bible verses, meanings, and spiritual consequences.
1. Pride – The Root of All Evil
Pride is when you believe you are better than others or greater than God.
The Bible says:
“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” – Proverbs 16:18
This sin often leads to others. It is seen as the root of evil in Christian sin teachings.
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Proverbs 16:18 | Pride causes downfall. |
2. Envy – Poison to the Soul
Envy is when you feel jealous of what others have. It causes bitterness, anger, and breaks relationships.
“A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” – Proverbs 14:30
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Proverbs 14:30 | Envy destroys inner peace. |
3. Wrath – When Anger Turns Deadly
Wrath is strong, uncontrolled anger. It leads to fights, hate, and even violence.
“In your anger do not sin: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry.” – Ephesians 4:26
“Human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – James 1:20
| 📖 Verses | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Ephesians 4:26–27 | Anger should be controlled. |
| James 1:20 | Wrath does not honor God. |
4. Sloth – The Silent Spiritual Killer
Sloth means being lazy, especially in your faith or spiritual duties. It weakens the soul.
“The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” – 2 Thessalonians 3:10
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 2 Thessalonians 3:10 | Laziness is a sin. |
5. Greed – Love of Money Over God
Greed is a strong desire for money, stuff, or power. It becomes idolatry.
“For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10
“You cannot serve both God and money.” – Matthew 6:24
| 📖 Verses | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1 Timothy 6:10 | Greed brings sin. |
| Matthew 6:24 | You must choose: God or money. |
6. Lust – Sin of the Eyes and Heart
Lust is having wrong sexual thoughts. It goes against God’s design for purity.
“Anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” – Matthew 5:28
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Matthew 5:28 | Lust equals sin. |
7. Gluttony – More Than Just Overeating
Gluttony means overdoing food or drink. It’s more than hunger—it’s a lack of self-control.
“Their god is their stomach.” – Philippians 3:19
“Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat.” – Proverbs 23:20–21
| 📖 Verses | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Philippians 3:19 | Gluttony makes food your god. |
| Proverbs 23:20–21 | Overeating is sinful. |
8. Deceit – Twisting the Truth
Deceit means lying, hiding the truth, or tricking people. It’s against God’s call for honesty.
“Do not lie to each other.” – Colossians 3:9
“The Lord detests lying lips.” – Proverbs 12:22
| 📖 Verses | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Colossians 3:9 | Lying is sin. |
| Proverbs 12:22 | God hates lies. |
9. Idolatry – Replacing God with Worldly Things
Idolatry is loving or worshiping something more than God—like money, fame, or even yourself.
“You shall have no other gods before Me.” – Exodus 20:3
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exodus 20:3 | Worship only God. |
10. Blasphemy – Speaking Against the Holy
Blasphemy is mocking, disrespecting, or cursing God or the Holy Spirit.
“Anyone who blasphemes the name of the Lord is to be put to death.” – Leviticus 24:16
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Leviticus 24:16 | Blasphemy is very serious. |
11. Murder – The Ultimate Violation of Life
Murder is taking another person’s life—God says it’s a sin from the beginning.
“You shall not murder.” – Exodus 20:13
“Anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment.” – Matthew 5:21–22
| 📖 Verses | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Exodus 20:13 | Do not kill. |
| Matthew 5:21–22 | Even anger is dangerous. |
12. Witchcraft and Sorcery – Spiritual Rebellion
Witchcraft means using dark powers or trying to control people spiritually. God calls it a sin of rebellion.
“Let no one be found among you… who practices divination or sorcery.” – Deuteronomy 18:10–12
| 📖 Verse | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Deuteronomy 18:10–12 | Sorcery is sin. |
✅ Quick Summary Table: The 12 Sins at a Glance
| # | Sin | Root Issue | Key Verse |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pride | Self-importance | Proverbs 16:18 |
| 2 | Envy | Jealousy | Proverbs 14:30 |
| 3 | Wrath | Anger | James 1:20 |
| 4 | Sloth | Laziness | 2 Thessalonians 3:10 |
| 5 | Greed | Love of money | 1 Timothy 6:10 |
| 6 | Lust | Impure desire | Matthew 5:28 |
| 7 | Gluttony | Overindulgence | Philippians 3:19 |
| 8 | Deceit | Lying | Colossians 3:9 |
| 9 | Idolatry | Replacing God | Exodus 20:3 |
| 10 | Blasphemy | Disrespect to God | Leviticus 24:16 |
| 11 | Murder | Killing life | Exodus 20:13 |
| 12 | Witchcraft | Rebellion | Deuteronomy 18:10 |
What Happens If You Commit These Sins?
These sins form what Catholic teaching calls grave sins in Catholicism. They bring spiritual damage. Galatians 5:19–21 lists the “works of the flesh.” Left unchanged, they lead to eternal separation from God (Isaiah 59:2).
Can These Major Sins Be Forgiven?
Yes, all can be forgiven. 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness when we confess. Even the so-called unforgivable sin in Matthew 12:31–32 has loving context in church teaching. God’s sanctifying grace works through sacraments or prayer.
How to Repent and Return to God’s Grace
- Admit your sin (reflection and self-examination).
- Confess with a sincere heart (Christian repentance).
- Receive forgiveness through prayer or Eucharist.
- Make a plan: feed your faith with Scripture, worship, and spiritual discipline. This process is key in Breaking the Ten Commandments.
Conclusion
These grave sins in Catholicism and Christian moral theology—from idolatry to murder—have deep spiritual consequences of sin. But through Christian repentance, confession, and the power of sanctifying grace, any believer can turn from deadly sins.
Seek forgiveness, and live a holy life. Remember, the Bible-based guidance in Matthew 5:28, 1 John 1:9, and Galatians 5:19–21 shows the path from sin to eternal life.
Hello, I’m John, a writer at [gozynest.com]. I’m here to guide you through the uplifting world of Bible teachings, blessings, and faith—offering inspiration and encouragement to deepen your spiritual walk every step of the way.
