Many people speak of “the seven deadly sins” as if they are a biblical category. The phrase appears in sermons, popular teaching, and even casual Christian conversation. However, when Scripture is examined carefully, a clearer and more nuanced picture emerges.

1. Does the Bible Teach “Five Deadly Sins”?

No. The Bible does not present a formal list called the seven deadly sins.

Nowhere in Scripture do we find a passage that groups sins into a specific list of five and labels them as uniquely deadly. All sin, in its essence, brings separation from God:

“For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23, KJV)

From a biblical standpoint, any unrepented sin is deadly, because it leads to spiritual death (James 1:15). Scripture does not rank sins in a fixed numerical list in the way the phrase suggests.

2. Where Did the Idea Come From?

The concept most people are referring to actually originates from the Seven Deadly Sins, not five.

Historical Origin

The list traces back to early Christian monastic tradition, particularly to Evagrius Ponticus (4th century), who identified eight evil thoughts that hinder spiritual growth. These were later refined by Pope Gregory I (6th century) into seven principal vices.

These vices were later popularized in medieval theology as:

• Pride

• Envy

• Wrath

• Sloth

• Greed

• Gluttony

• Lust

This list was meant to describe root sins from which other sins flow, not a biblical classification of unforgivable offenses.

3. Why Are They Called “Deadly”?

The term deadly comes from the Latin word mortalia, referring to mortal sins, meaning sins that lead to spiritual death if left unrepented.

Scripture supports the principle behind this concern:

“When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” (James 1:15, KJV)

However, the Bible does not single out only seven or five sins as deadly while others are harmless. All sin is deadly apart from repentance and grace (Romans 3:23).

4. Biblical Lists of Sin (What Scripture Actually Gives)

While Scripture does not give the seven deadly sins, it does provide multiple sin lists, each emphasizing different aspects of human rebellion.

For example:

“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness… envyings, murders, drunkenness…” (Galatians 5:19–21, KJV)

“For out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts… pride, foolishness.” (Mark 7:21–23, KJV)

“These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him.” (Proverbs 6:16–19, KJV)

Notice that Scripture provides theological descriptions, not a standardized numerical system.

5. Are Some Sins More Serious Than Others?

Scripture does recognize degrees of seriousness, though not in a formal list.

Jesus said:

“He that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin.” (John 19:11, KJV)

This shows that some sins carry greater guilt or consequence. Yet no sin is beyond forgiveness for those who come to Christ (Isaiah 1:18; 1 John 1:9).

6. Why the Seven Deadly Sins Idea Persists

The idea persists because lists are memorable and practical. Over time, teachings were simplified for catechesis, preaching, and moral instruction. Some traditions condensed or altered the original height, leading to popular references to Seven instead.

But simplification can easily become oversimplification.

“Teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Mark 7:7, KJV)

When tradition is mistaken for Scripture, confusion follows.

7. A Biblical Perspective on Sin and Grace

The Bible’s focus is not on counting sins, but on the condition of the heart.

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked.” (Jeremiah 17:9, KJV)

The solution is not avoiding certain “deadly” sins but new life in Christ:

“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1, KJV)

There is no biblical category called “the seven deadly sins.” The idea comes from later Christian tradition, especially medieval moral teaching, not from Scripture itself. While the traditional lists can help identify root patterns of sin, they must never replace the Bible’s teaching.

The Bible presents sin as universal, deadly, and serious — but it also presents grace as greater than all sin:

“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound.” (Romans 5:20, KJV)