That’s a very interesting question.  Let’s read 1 John 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.” 

The Greek word for sin here is ‘hamartía’ and is defined as: offence or sinful.  This word is used 174 times in the New Testament.  It is always translated as sin, sins, sinful, or offence.

The Greek word for transgression here is ‘anomía’ and is defined as: violation of law, wickedness, iniquity.  This word is used 16 times in the New Testament.  It is always translated as iniquity, iniquities, unrighteousness, or transgression. 

We can see that the word sin is used on a broader basis than the word transgression.  Transgression often has a reference to the Law as we read in our verse, 1 John 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for SIN IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE LAW.”  I hope you will hear me out when I say that sin is NOT ALWAYS a transgression of the Law.  I say this because sin existed long before the Law existed.  The definition of sin as “transgression of the law” is misleading and incorrect. Before there ever was a law, sin was in the world.  We read in Romans 5:12, “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.”  Sin entered into the world by Adam, the very first man!  Sin definitely existed between Adam and Moses, whom the Lord used to give His law. 

I believe we can get a much better understanding of 1 John 3:4 if we look at how it is translated in a couple of other trustworthy versions of the Bible.

NASB – “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness.”

NKJV – “Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.”

The thought in this verse is that one who PRACTICES SIN, or who LIVES IN SIN is living in a state of lawlessness.  His actions and words simply manifest his lawless state.  The unsaved person lives a life that is in insubordination to God.  He lives according to his own selfish and sinful desires and does not acknowledge God as sovereign ruler.  He puts his own will over the will of God and thus lives in lawlessness. 

My friend, now that you know what sin is, I hope you realize that you are a sinner (Romans 3:23).  I hope you realize that the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I hope you realize that you can be saved from your sinful and lawless life by putting your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who died for your sins and was raised again the 3rd day. 

Consider these words to the unsaved in Deuteronomy 9:24, “Ye have been REBELLIOUS against the LORD from the day that I knew you.” 

Consider this loving offer from the very one you have sinned against, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name.”  (John 1:12).  Will you stop your lawlessness and put your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?  He will receive you, forgive you, and make you to be one of His very own children.  (CC)  (618.2)