Bible Verses About Apologizing

"Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift."

"Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

"He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

"Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

"Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother."

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

What does the Bible say about apologizing?

The Bible calls believers to humility and reconciliation, urging us to make things right when we have wronged others. While the word 'apologize' doesn't appear in the KJV, the principles of confession, restitution, and seeking peace are woven throughout Scripture. Key King James Version passages include Matthew 5:23-24, James 5:16, Proverbs 28:13. This page collects 10 KJV verses about apologizing, each quoted in full.

Does the Bible say we should apologize?

While the word 'apologize' isn't in the KJV, Scripture strongly teaches confession of faults, seeking reconciliation, and making amends — all core elements of a sincere apology.

How should a Christian apologize?

A Christian apology should be sincere, specific about the wrong committed, take responsibility without excuses, seek forgiveness, and be accompanied by changed behavior (repentance).