What Does the Bible Say About Forgiveness?
Key Scriptures and spiritual guidance on forgiveness
The Bible addresses forgiveness as a central theme throughout its pages. It teaches that forgiveness is essential for maintaining healthy relationships with others and with God. The concept of forgiveness is rooted in God's abundant mercy and grace towards humanity, as demonstrated through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Bible encourages believers to forgive others as they have been forgiven by God, emphasizing the importance of letting go of bitterness, anger, and resentment.
Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Matthew 6:14KJV
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:”
Ephesians 4:32KJV
“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13KJV
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Luke 6:37KJV
“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:”
Mark 11:25KJV
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Psalms 103:12KJV
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”
Matthew 18:21–22KJV
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
Go Deeper
Chat with Moses, David, or Paul about Forgiveness
The Bible Pics app lets you have a real conversation with biblical figures — ask them anything about forgiveness and get answers rooted in Scripture.
