What Does the Bible Say About Unforgiveness?
What Does the Bible Say About Unforgiveness? The Bible warns that harboring unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness from God and poisons the soul.
Key verse: Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
The Bible warns that harboring unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness from God and poisons the soul.
The Bible warns that harboring unforgiveness blocks our own forgiveness from God and poisons the soul.
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." — Matthew 6:14-15 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus taught explicitly that forgiving others is tied to our own forgiveness. In Matthew 6:14-15 He said, 'For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.' The parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) illustrates a man forgiven an enormous debt who then refuses to forgive a small one — and is delivered to tormentors. Hebrews 12:15 warns against a 'root of bitterness' springing up and defiling many. Ephesians 4:31-32 instructs believers to put away all bitterness and be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave them. Unforgiveness is presented not merely as an emotional struggle but as a spiritual danger that can hinder prayer, damage relationships, and grieve the Holy Spirit.
Key Scripture References
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
"Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible teaches that God freely forgives those who repent and that believers must forgive others as they have been forgiven — not seven times, but seventy times seven.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
What Does the Bible Say About Money?
The Bible doesn't condemn money itself but warns against the love of money and teaches generosity, contentment, and wise stewardship.
What Is Tithing?
Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth (10%) of one's income to God, rooted in Old Testament law and reflected in New Testament generosity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
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Bible Verses About Unforgiveness
10 curated KJV verses
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Unforgiveness?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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