Sin cannot be estimated by our consciousness (Num 15:27-30). "Though he wist it not, yet is he guilty" (Lev 5:17).
What is sin? The Holy Spirit has given us a sevenfold answer to the question.
1. "Sin is lawlessness," namely, self-will (1Jo 3:4, R.V.). King Saul is an example (1Sa 15:23).
2. "All unrighteousness is sin" (1Jo 5:17). Unrighteousness is crookedness. Balaam is an illustration (Jud 1:11).
3. "Whatsoever is not of faith is sin" (Rom 14:23). Cain illustrates this (Hbr 11:4, 6).
4. "The thought" (device) "of foolishness is sin" (Pro 24:9). Korah is an example (Num 16:1-3).
5. "The plowing of the wicked is sin" (Pro 21:4). Sin sums up the whole life of the godless man.
6. "To him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin" (Jam 4:17). Failure to do right is as much sin as doing wrong. Eli (1Sa 3:13).
7. "Of sin because they believe not on Me" (Jhn 16:9). Unbelief is the mother of all sin. Eve believed the devil's lie, and thus disbelieved God, and fell in consequence (Gen 3:1-6).
Man naturally, is the embodiment of sin, hence he cannot please God (Rom 8:8), therefore all he does while in the state of nature is sin in the sight of God. Man may not believe this of himself, but it is none the less true, although not known. Job thought he was fairly good till he came into the clear shining of the Lord's presence, then he saw himself, and turned with loathing from the sight (Job 42:5-6).