Westminster Shorter Catechism · Question 14 of 107
What is sin?
A.Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of, the law of God.
Which Bible passages support this answer?
The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 14. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.
- 1 John 3:4
Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; indeed, sin is lawlessness. (NET)
What does this answer mean?
Sin is measured by God's law. The answer names two kinds. Want of conformity means lacking what the law requires, such as failing to love God or others as we should. Transgression means crossing the line, doing what the law forbids. Both falling short and doing wrong are sin.
What can we ask our children?
- What does sin break or fall short of?
- What is the difference between not doing what God commands and doing what he forbids?
- Can you think of an example of each?
Can I print this question?
Yes. Every printable here is free for home, church and co-op use. Press Print on any of these pages for a clean sheet.
- Memory card for question 14 (fold-over card, question on the front)
- Copywork page for question 14 (trace, then copy)
- Memory cards for questions 11 to 20
- Copywork for questions 11 to 20
- All Westminster Shorter Catechism printables
Text: The Shorter Catechism, constitutional text of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Public domain (1647). Proof references: Scripture proofs added by the Westminster Assembly, as transcribed by The Westminster Standard. Scripture quotations are from the NET Bible; see permissions.
Checked against a second edition on November 15, 2026. Explanation and questions by Household Theology Press. Last updated November 15, 2026.