Forgiveness — Meaning in the Bible
Releasing someone from what they owe because of a wrong: cancelling the debt. God forgives sin, and Jesus taught his followers to forgive others.
What it means
God is "a God ready to pardon". David prays for forgiveness after his sin, and the psalms rejoice in the person whose sin is forgiven. Nehemiah 9:17Psalm 32:1–5Psalm 51:1–2
Jesus taught his disciples to pray "Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors", told Peter to forgive "seventy times seven", and forgave those who crucified him. Matthew 6:12–15Matthew 18:21–35Luke 23:34
Joseph forgives his brothers, showing that forgiveness does not pretend wrong was not done: "you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good". Genesis 50:15–21
Key passages
- Psalm 32:1–5 — The joy of being forgiven.
- Genesis 50:15–21 — Joseph forgives his brothers.
- Matthew 6:12–15 — Forgive as you are forgiven.
- Matthew 18:21–35 — The unforgiving servant.
- Luke 23:34 — "Father, forgive them."
- Ephesians 4:32 — Forgiving one another as God forgave you.
Original language
ἄφεσις aphesis
Greek · Strong’s G859 · gloss: “forgiveness”
A Greek word for forgiveness, "release". Ephesians 1:7
A Strong’s number is a reference identifier, not a complete definition: what a word means in a passage depends on its context. Lexical data: STEPBible.org, based on work at Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0).
For children
To forgive means to let go of someone's wrong instead of paying them back. Joseph forgave his brothers, even after they had sold him. Genesis 50:19–21
Study further
- Genesis 45:1–15 Joseph and his brothers.
- Psalm 51 Asking for forgiveness.
- Matthew 18:21–35 How often to forgive.
- Luke 15:11–32 A father who forgives.