Bible Verses About Forgiveness
Forgiveness runs in two directions in Scripture: the mercy God extends to us, and the mercy we are asked to extend to one another. These verses speak to the guilty conscience and to the hard, holy work of letting go of a wrong.
In Scripture forgiveness moves in two directions: the mercy God extends to us, and the mercy we are asked to extend to one another. 1 John 1:9 promises that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins. Ephesians 4:32 and Colossians 3:13 call believers to forgive one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. When Peter asked how often to forgive, Matthew 18:21-22 answers not seven times but Until seventy times seven, and Psalm 103:12 says that as far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us. The verses below are King James Version, gathered for study, prayer, and a lighter heart.
Read these slowly and let the words settle. When one speaks to you, carry it into a daily verse habit, fold it into a reading plan, or pray through it with the prayers. You can also browse every topic or dig into the questions on the answers page.
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.
Ephesians 4:32
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
Colossians 3:13
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Matthew 6:14-15
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 18:21-22
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.
Isaiah 1:18
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.
Mark 11:25
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.
Luke 6:37
Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgivenesses, though we have rebelled against him;
Acts 3:19
Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;
Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
Common Questions
What does the Bible say about forgiveness?
The Bible presents forgiveness in two directions: God's mercy toward us and the mercy we owe others. 1 John 1:9 says that if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and Ephesians 4:32 calls us to be kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.
How many times does the Bible say to forgive?
In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked whether he should forgive as many as seven times, and Jesus answered, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. The point is a readiness to forgive that does not keep count.
Does God forgive all sins if we confess?
1 John 1:9 says, If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Isaiah 1:18 adds the LORD's invitation, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.
What does the Bible say about forgiving others?
Colossians 3:13 urges forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, even as Christ forgave you, and Mark 11:25 ties it to prayer, when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any. Luke 6:37 sums it up, forgive, and ye shall be forgiven.
How can I use these verses to forgive someone?
Read them slowly and let one settle before moving on. When a verse speaks to you, carry it into a daily verse habit, fold it into a reading plan, or pray through it so that letting go becomes part of your prayer.