Bible Verses About Forgivenes

The Bible is full of promises and stories about forgiveness. Whether you are in need of God’s forgiveness or need help forgiving someone in your life, Scripture has the answers your heart is looking for.

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s Word presents the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as the ultimate hope of forgiveness of sins. The Gospel also provides the motivation needed to forgive others.

We hope that the verses below deepen your faith in the abundant forgiveness of God and help to motivate you to forgive anyone in your life who has hurt you. (All verses are taken from the New American Standard Version of the Bible.)

What the Bible Says About Forgiveness and Letting Go

No matter how deeply you have been hurt, the Bible makes it clear that it is possible to forgive and let go of the past.

Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus *said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times. – Matthew 18:21-22

But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. – Luke 6:35

What the Bible Says About Forgiving Others

Forgiveness is an essential part of the Christian life. Below are just a couple of verses that illustrate what forgiveness looks like on a daily, practical basis.

Be kind to one another, compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32

For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. – Matthew 6:14-15

What the Bible Says About Forgiveness of Sin

No matter how guilty you may feel, God abundantly offers the hope of His forgiveness in Scripture. Below are just two verses that reflect this truth.

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. – 1 John 1:9

For I will be merciful toward their wrongdoings,
And their sins I will no longer remember.” – Hebrews 8:12

Every Mention of the Word “Forgiveness” in the Bible

We’ve included all mentions of the word “forgiveness” in the NASB below. We hope reflecting on these verses will deepen your knowledge of God’s Word!

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Nehemiah

They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy; And You did not abandon them. – Nehemiah 9:17

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Psalms

But there is forgiveness with You, So that You may be revered. – Psalm 130:4

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Daniel

To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, because we have rebelled against Him; – Daniel 9:9

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Matthew

for this is My blood of the covenant, which is being poured out for many for forgiveness of sins. – Matthew 26:28

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Mark

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. – Mark 1:4

but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin” — Mark 3:29

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Luke

To give His people the knowledge of salvation By the forgiveness of their sins, – Luke 1:77

And he came into all the region around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins; – Luke 3:3

and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations, beginning from Jerusalem. – Luke 24:47

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Acts

Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. – Acts 2:38

He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. – Acts 5:31

All the prophets testify of Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” – Acts 10:43

Therefore let it be known to you, brothers, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, – Acts 13:38

to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me.’ – Acts 26:18

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Ephesians

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace – Ephesians 1:7

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Colossians

in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. – Colossians 1:14

Bible Verses About Forgiveness in Hebrews

And almost all things are cleansed with blood, according to the Law, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness. – Hebrews 9:22

Now where there is forgiveness of these things, an offering for sin is no longer required. – Hebrews 10:18