The Hebrew word translated as 'sin' is khate, the root being khaw-taw', which in its concrete meaning meant to miss the mark; as used Biblically, it refers not to some physical or spiritual separation from God, but refers by usage (as a verb) to conduct, any conduct not in harmony with Jehovah's standards.
It has a close connection to tsadiyq (righteous) commonly paralleled with the word "rasha". Rasha is usually translated as "wicked" but has a concrete meaning of "to depart from the path and become lost". From this we can conclude that a tsadiyq is one who remains of the path. The path is the course through life which God has outlined for us in his word. Also connected is "good", or "tov", the first use of which is in Genesis chapter one where calls his handiwork "good".
It should always be remembered that the Hebrews often relate descriptions to functionality. The word tov would best be translated with the word "functional". When looked at his handiwork he did not see that it was "good", he saw that it was functional, kind of like a well oiled and tuned machine – in contrast is "ra". These two words, tov and ra are used for the tree of the knowledge of "good" and "evil". While "ra" is often translated as evil it is best translated as "dysfunctional". Sin is missing the established mark, by straying off the established "path" given to mankind by his creator – resulting in man being "dysfunctional" – or as the Bible states, the wages of sin is death.
