Exploring the Meaning of Forgiveness in the Bible
We’ve all said the words “I forgive you” a time or two. But do we truly know what they mean? Let’s dive into the meaning of forgiveness in the Bible. Spoiler alert: It’s so much more than a polite phrase.
Forgiveness in the Bible: Hebrew and Greek
In Hebrew (the original language of the Old Testament), there are two main words used for “forgive,” nasa and salach.
Nasa: Nasa is a word that means “to lift” or “to carry.” When used in the context of forgiveness, it means to lift away sin and guilt or actively carry them away. This Old Testament word points to the New Testament cross, where Jesus carried our sin and shame on our behalf, bringing us ultimate forgiveness. Beautiful, right?
Salach: Salach translates directly to “forgive” but can also mean “pardon” or “spare.” In the Old Testament, this word is directly linked to God’s forgiveness every time it’s used. This makes sense because God is the only one who can truly pardon us.
There are also two words used in Greek (the original language of the New Testament) for the word “forgive”:
Charizomai: This word means “to grant as a favor” and “gratuitously.” It means forgiving freely, even if the person doesn’t deserve it. That’s how God forgives us — extending his grace, or unmerited favor, in our direction and pardoning us from sin through Jesus.
Aphesis: Are you ready for this one? Aphesis means “deliverance” or “freedom.” It can literally mean freeing a prisoner from bondage. This word is used in Matthew 26:28, which says, “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Jesus is saying that through his blood, there’s complete freedom from the bondage of sin. And that’s a picture of true forgiveness.
These Hebrew and Greek words point us to a simple truth: “I forgive you” isn’t just a polite phrase. Forgiveness can be life-changing for us and others.
Nasa reminds us that forgiveness means lifting the weight of wrongdoing from the shoulders of those who hurt us instead of holding it over their heads.
Salach shows that forgiveness begins with God. We forgive because he forgave us (Ephesians 4:32). We can’t do it on our own; we need his help.
Charizomai teaches us that forgiveness isn’t a reward; it’s a gift. God didn’t wait for us to earn salvation — he extended his grace freely. We must do the same for others.
Aphesis reveals that forgiveness means freedom. And not just for us. It’s also freedom for those who hurt us. When we forgive, we not only step out of pain and bitterness ourselves, but we break the chains of shame and guilt for others.
13 Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Now that we understand the true meaning of forgiveness, here are 13 key Bible verses about forgiveness to explore.
All Scriptures written in NIV.
1. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
2. Isaiah 1:18
“Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”
3. Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
4. Psalm 32:1-2
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.
5. Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
6. Matthew 18:21-22
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
7. Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
8. Luke 6:37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
9. Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
10. Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
11. 1 John 1:8-9
If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
12. Mark 11:25
“And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
13. James 5:16
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
How to Practice Biblical Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn’t a one-time thing — it’s a practice you return to as God shapes your heart. And as you practice, you’ll find it easier to choose God’s healing over holding on to hurt.
1. Remember How God Has Forgiven You
How do we learn to forgive? By looking to our ultimate example, our heavenly Father. God willingly removes our sins completely through his son, Jesus. And we don’t even have to earn it — he forgives us freely through his grace.
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8, NIV
As we remember God’s incredible grace toward us, we see a clear picture of how we should forgive others: willingly and freely, even if they don’t deserve it.
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. — Ephesians 4:32, NIV
Forgiveness vs. Reconciliation
It’s important to note that forgiveness is different from reconciliation. Forgiveness is a choice to let go of the pain someone caused you and the need for revenge. It doesn’t require anything from the other person.
Reconciliation, which is the restoring of a relationship, does require something from the other person. It requires both of you, working together, to rebuild trust and restore what was broken.
While forgiveness is a blanket command (as evidenced by the Bible verses about forgiveness above), reconciliation can have conditions. God doesn’t want you to stay in hurtful situations. You can forgive someone while also keeping yourself safe.
2. Bring Your Hurts to God in Prayer
God loves you, and he cares about what hurts you. He’s the only one who can truly heal your wounds. Bring your anger, disappointment, grief and pain to him in prayer and allow him to remind you who he is and who you are.
Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. — 1 Peter 5:7
As you find comfort in him, healing begins. And as healing takes root, your heart slowly opens, creating space for forgiveness to grow.
3. Pray for Those Who Hurt You
Sometimes, the pain is so deep and heavy that it’s all we can think about. It has a way of consuming us. But when we’re consumed in pain, we lose sight of the Healer.
Praying for those who hurt us doesn’t excuse what they did. Instead, it frees us from being held captive by it. When we pray for them, our focus shifts from what they did to what God can do instead, making room for healing.
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” — Matthew 5:44-45, NIV
4. Let Go of the Need for Revenge or Repayment
When someone hurts us, it’s natural to want to “get even.” After all, they deserve it, right? But holding on to the desire for revenge or repayment keeps you tied to the hurt, preventing you from healing.
Letting go of the need for revenge isn’t pretending that the wrong didn’t matter. Instead, it’s trusting that God is the righteous Judge. He sees every wound. Every tear. He knows what’s best for you, and he’s faithful to protect and care for you.
Justice isn’t your burden to carry, friend. It’s his.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. — Romans 12:19, NIV
5. Set Wise Boundaries When Needed
You can’t truly forgive when you’re stuck in a cycle of ongoing harm. Boundaries are sometimes necessary for both your safety and your healing. Setting a boundary doesn’t mean you’re unloving or unforgiving. It simply protects the important healing work God is doing in your heart.
In prayer, ask God to help you establish healthy boundaries. Ask him for help in discerning what they should look like. Then, follow his lead. In some situations, bringing in wise friends, a pastor or a counselor can help you set healthy boundaries too.
6. Repeat These Steps
Forgiveness isn’t a one-time thing. Sometimes, you’ll need to forgive someone who hurt you over and over again until your heart is freed from the pain they caused. Take heart in knowing this: Forgiveness isn’t a feeling — it’s a choice. And it’s one you might have to make daily.
Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:21-22, NIV
Forgiveness is a life-changing practice that mirrors God’s heart. As we remember how he has forgiven us, bring our hurts to him and choose to release others again and again, we step into the freedom we have in Jesus.