In the Bible, the Greek word for “forgive” is “aphiemi,” which means to send away, let go, or release from debt. This term conveys the idea of freeing someone from the obligation of wrongdoing, emphasizing mercy and grace in the act of forgiveness.
Scripture
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,
15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Meaning of Greek Words for Forgive in Bible
In the New Testament, the Greek word “aphiemi” is pivotal in understanding the concept of forgiveness within the Christian faith. It appears in key scriptures, such as Matthew 6:12, where Jesus instructs His followers to pray, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This verse not only highlights the relational aspect of forgiveness—where forgiveness is both received from God and extended to others—but also underscores the notion of releasing one from a debt or moral obligation. The act of “sending away” one’s wrongdoing embodies the transformative power of grace, which encourages believers to let go of grudges and resentment.
Moreover, the broader biblical context amplifies this significance, as seen in Luke 23:34, where Jesus, even in the face of His crucifixion, pleads for forgiveness for His persecutors, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This powerful declaration illustrates the depth of mercy tied to forgiveness, as it is not contingent upon the acknowledgment of wrong but rather forged from an abundance of grace. The essence of “aphiemi” goes beyond simply excusing or overlooking offenses; it represents an active decision to release oneself—and others—from the bondage of sin, fostering reconciliation and healing. In doing so, believers reflect the heart of God, who forgives freely and fully, calling His followers to live out that same generosity in their interactions with others.
Exploring the meaning of forgiveness through the lens of the Greek word “aphiemi,” we uncover deeper dimensions of the concept within the New Testament. This term conveys not just a mere emotional release but embodies a deliberate act of letting go. In various contexts, “aphiemi” signals an essential aspect of discipleship, where Jesus emphasizes the need to release forgiveness as a means of maintaining spiritual health and community harmony. This is particularly seen in passages where forgiveness is not simply an isolated action but serves as a testament to one’s faith and relationship with God. By forgiving, believers participate in a divine economy of grace that mirrors the character of God Himself.
Additionally, the use of “aphiemi” in the context of repentance plays a significant role in the overall theme of redemption. Throughout the New Testament texts, the call to forgiveness frequently goes hand in hand with a call to repentance, underscoring the idea that to forgive and to be forgiven is fundamental to one’s spiritual journey. Forgiveness is not an end in itself but a means toward transformation and restoration. The act of forgiving, empowered by the Holy Spirit, allows believers to overcome personal hurt and communal division, fostering a culture grounded in mercy and understanding. Through understanding “aphiemi,” Christians are invited to cultivate a lifestyle of forgiveness that reflects the grace they have received, thereby echoing the collective narrative of redemption that permeates the scriptures.
Theological Significance of Forgiveness
In the New Testament, the Greek word for forgive is “ἀφίημι” (aphiēmi), which carries a profound theological significance. It implies not just the act of letting go of a debt or offense but also encompasses the idea of releasing someone from the consequences of their actions. This reflects God’s grace and mercy, emphasizing that forgiveness is a divine attribute that believers are called to emulate. The act of forgiving is seen as a restoration of relationships, both between individuals and between humanity and God.
Ethical Implications of Forgiveness
Another Greek term related to forgiveness is “χαρίζομαι” (charizomai), which means to grant favor or to show kindness. This word highlights the ethical dimension of forgiveness, suggesting that it is not merely a passive act of overlooking wrongs but an active choice to extend grace and kindness to others. This ethical perspective encourages individuals to cultivate a forgiving spirit, promoting reconciliation and harmony within communities. It underscores the moral responsibility of believers to forgive as a reflection of their own experience of being forgiven.
Psychological Aspects of Forgiveness
The Greek word “ἀφίημι” also carries psychological implications, as it involves the release of negative emotions associated with resentment and anger. Forgiveness, in this context, is seen as a liberating act that frees the forgiver from the burden of holding onto past grievances. This understanding aligns with modern psychological insights that recognize the mental and emotional benefits of forgiveness, such as improved mental health and well-being. By forgiving, individuals can experience healing and move forward in their lives, fostering a sense of peace and emotional resilience.
How to Embrace Grace and Foster True Christian Growth
Embracing grace is at the heart of our journey as Christians, and it begins with recognizing that we are all imperfect beings in need of God’s unmerited favor. To foster true Christian growth, we must first accept that grace is not just a one-time gift but a daily invitation to live in relationship with God. This means letting go of the burdens of guilt and shame, and instead, allowing His love to transform us from the inside out. Engage in prayer and scripture reading, not as a checklist, but as a way to deepen your understanding of His grace and how it applies to your life. Surround yourself with a community of believers who encourage and challenge you, and be open to the ways God is working in and through you. Remember, growth is a process, and it’s okay to stumble along the way; what matters is that we keep our eyes on Jesus, who is the author and perfecter of our faith. Embrace grace, and let it guide you toward a life that reflects His love and truth.
Bible References to Greek Words for Forgive:
Matthew 18:21-35: 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?”
22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.
24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.
25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.
26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’
27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.
28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’
29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’
30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.
31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place.
32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.
33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’
34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.
35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Mark 11:25-26: 25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Luke 6:37-38: 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;”
38 Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Luke 7:36-50: 36 One of the Pharisees asked him to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table.
37 And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment,
38 and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment.
39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner.”
40 And Jesus answering said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he answered, “Say it, Teacher.”
41 “A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty.
42 When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?”
43 Simon answered, “The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt.” And he said to him, “You have judged rightly.”
44 Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.
45 You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet.
46 You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment.
47 Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little.
48 And he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49 Then those who were at table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this, who even forgives sins?”
50 And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”
Luke 17:3-4: 3 Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him,
4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Luke 23:33-34: 33 And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left.
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
John 20:21-23: 21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.”
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.
23 If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld.”
Acts 2:37-38: 37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 3:19-20: 19 Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,
20 that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus,
Acts 10:42-43: 42 And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead.
43 To him all the prophets bear witness that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
Acts 13:38-39: 38 Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
39 and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses.
Ephesians 1:7-8: 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
8 which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight
Ephesians 4:31-32: 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.
32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 1:13-14: 13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son,
14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 3:12-13: 12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience,
13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Hebrews 8:10-12: 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
11 And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest.
12 For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
Hebrews 10:15-18: 15 And the Holy Spirit also bears witness to us; for after saying,
16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them
after those days, declares the Lord:
I will put my laws on their hearts,
and write them on their minds,”
17 then he adds, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.”
18 Where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer any offering for sin.
1 John 1:8-10: 8 If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.
9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10 If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.
1 John 2:1-2: 1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
2 He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.