Forgiveness in the Bible
Forgiveness in Scripture is the release of a debt — sin let go, carried away, blotted out. The Hebrew pictures God lifting guilt off the sinner; the Greek pictures Him sending it away. Every KJV verse on forgiveness sits on these two pictures.
Greek & Hebrew words
Greek (New Testament)
Key KJV verses
All verses →1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”Read in context
Ephesians 1:7
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”Read in context
Psalm 103:12
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”Read in context
Matthew 6:14
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”Read in context
Forgiveness in the Old Testament
Hebrew salach (H5545) is reserved for divine pardon — only God forgives in the full sense. Nasa (H5375) pictures guilt being lifted and carried away, while kaphar (H3722) speaks of sin covered by atoning blood.
Forgiveness in the New Testament
Aphesis (G859) and aphiēmi (G863) carry the legal sense of debt cancelled — sin sent away. Charizomai (G5483) frames forgiveness as a grace-gift, shaping how believers forgive one another (Colossians 3:13).
Forgiving others
Jesus binds horizontal and vertical forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer. To withhold forgiveness is to misunderstand the mercy already received (Matthew 18:21–35).
Frequently asked questions
What is the Greek word for forgiveness?
Aphesis (G859), meaning release or remission — sin sent away. The verb is aphiēmi (G863).
What is the Hebrew word for forgiveness?
Salach (H5545) is the chief verb, used only of God's pardon. Nasa (H5375) means to lift or carry guilt away; kaphar (H3722) means to cover or atone.
How does the Bible define forgiveness?
Forgiveness is the cancellation of a debt — sin released, lifted, and remembered against the sinner no more (Psalm 103:12; 1 John 1:9).