grzech

Grzech is the Polish term for sin, referring to an act, thought, or omission that violates moral or divine law. In religious discourse it denotes offenses against God or the commandments, while in secular usage it can describe ethical fault more broadly.

Etymology and usage: The word is native to Polish and shares cognates with other Slavic languages. It appears across religious, legal, and literary texts, and remains central in discussions of guilt, morality, and accountability.

Christian contexts: In Christianity, sin is a deliberate act or omission that offends God. The Catholic tradition distinguishes mortal sins, which destroy sanctifying grace, from venial sins, which weaken but do not sever it. Original sin refers to the fallen state of humanity inherited from the first humans. Redemption and reconciliation are pursued through repentance, confession, and, in many communities, absolution. Protestant interpretations emphasize faith and grace, while still recognizing the reality of sin and the need for forgiveness.

Other religious and secular usage: In Judaism and Islam, the concept corresponds to violations of divine law, with repentance and atonement or mercy as pathways to restoration. In secular ethics, grzech is used metaphorically to denote guilt or wrongdoing in society, law, or personal life. It also features in Polish literature and public discourse on morality and forgiveness, where it can be discussed as personal responsibility or social harm.

See also: sin, confession, repentance, morality.