The Holy Bible Verses

50 Bible Verses About Forgiveness

Explore Bible verses on forgiveness, including Ephesians 4:32. Find healing and reconciliation through scripture and practical steps.

By The Editorial Team

Verses sourced from the World English Bible (public domain). Selection follows our editorial policy. Last reviewed 2026-04-23. See all sources.

Forgiveness is a central theme in Scripture, emphasizing the importance of showing compassion and kindness to others. Believers are encouraged to forgive as God forgave them. Ephesians 4:32 highlights this by urging individuals to be kind, compassionate, and to forgive one another, promoting healing and reconciliation in relationships.

“And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”
— Ephesians 4:32 WEB

Forgiveness can feel like a heavy burden, especially when hurt runs deep. Yet, forgiveness is a cornerstone of spiritual freedom. In Genesis 50:17, Joseph’s brothers plead for forgiveness after betraying him. Joseph’s response shows the power of letting go of resentments. He chooses to forgive, allowing healing and reconciliation to unfold. This story reminds us that forgiveness is not about forgetting the past, but about releasing the hold it has on us.

The Bible is rich with guidance on forgiveness, offering both comfort and direction. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as God forgives us through Christ. This verse is a call to action, inviting us to mirror God’s forgiveness in our relationships. Whether it’s the ancient plea for forgiveness in Exodus 34:7 or the promise of atonement in Leviticus 6:7, scripture consistently teaches that God’s forgiveness is both a gift and a model for us to follow. As you explore these verses, consider how they speak to your heart and guide your actions.

50 verses

  1. 1

    “‘You shall tell Joseph, “Now please forgive the disobedience of your brothers, and their sin, because they did evil to you.”’ Now, please forgive the disobedience of the servants of the God of your father.” Joseph wept when they spoke to him.”

  2. 2

    “keeping loving kindness for thousands, forgiving iniquity and disobedience and sin; and who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, and on the children’s children, on the third and on the fourth generation.””

  3. 3

    “The priest shall make atonement for him before Yahweh, and he will be forgiven concerning whatever he does to become guilty.””

  4. 4

    “‘Yahweh is slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, forgiving iniquity and disobedience; and he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and on the fourth generation.’”

  5. 5

    “Forgive, Yahweh, your people Israel, whom you have redeemed, and don’t allow innocent blood among your people Israel.” The blood shall be forgiven them.”

  6. 6

    “then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants, and of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.”

  7. 7

    “then hear from heaven, and forgive the sin of your people Israel, and bring them again to the land which you gave to them and to their fathers.”

  8. 8

    “then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of your servants of your people Israel, when you teach them the good way in which they should walk; and send rain on your land, which you have given to your people for an inheritance.”

  9. 9

    “Blessed is he whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

  10. 10

    “I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah.”

  11. 11

    “Have mercy on me, God, according to your loving kindness. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions.”

  12. 12

    “You have forgiven the iniquity of your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah.”

  13. 13

    “For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.”

  14. 14

    “You answered them, Yahweh our God. You are a God who forgave them, although you took vengeance for their doings.”

  15. 15

    “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts. Let him return to Yahweh, and he will have mercy on him; and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

  16. 16

    “that you may remember, and be confounded, and never open your mouth any more, because of your shame, when I have forgiven you all that you have done,” says the Lord Yahweh.’””

  17. 17

    “To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness; for we have rebelled against him.”

  18. 18

    “Take words with you, and return to Yahweh. Tell him, “Forgive all our sins, and accept that which is good: so we offer our lips like bulls.”

  19. 19

    “Who is a God like you, who pardons iniquity, and passes over the disobedience of the remnant of his heritage? He doesn’t retain his anger forever, because he delights in loving kindness.”

  20. 21

    ““For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

  21. 22

    “But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

  22. 23

    “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers,TR adds “raise the dead,” and cast out demons. Freely you received, so freely give.”

  23. 24

    “Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men.”

  24. 25

    “Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.””

  25. 26

    ““Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?””

  26. 27

    “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—”

  27. 28

    “that ‘seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest perhaps they should turn again, and their sins should be forgiven them.’”Isaiah 6:9-10”

  28. 29

    “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone; so that your Father, who is in heaven, may also forgive you your transgressions.”

  29. 30

    “But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your transgressions.”NU omits verse 26.”

  30. 31

    “Seeing their faith, he said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.””

  31. 32

    “The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?””

  32. 33

    “But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, and take up your cot, and go to your house.””

  33. 34

    “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.””

  34. 36

    “Those who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?””

  35. 37

    “Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us. Bring us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’””

  36. 38

    “If you forgive anyone’s sins, they have been forgiven them. If you retain anyone’s sins, they have been retained.””

  37. 39

    ““Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”

  38. 42

    “Now I also forgive whomever you forgive anything. For if indeed I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven that one for your sakes in the presence of Christ,”

  39. 43

    “in whom we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,”

  40. 44

    “And be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you.”

  41. 45

    “Grace to you, and peace from God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.”

  42. 46

    “in whom we have our redemption,TR adds “through his blood,” the forgiveness of our sins;”

  43. 47

    “bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.”

  44. 48

    “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”Proverbs 3:34”

  45. 49

    “and in knowledge, self-control; and in self-control perseverance; and in perseverance godliness;”

  46. 50

    “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

For your week

Reflect

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it's transformative. Ephesians 4:32 urges us to forgive as we have been forgiven. Reflect on how you can embody this grace in your life.

Pray

Heavenly Father, help me to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Fill my heart with kindness and compassion, and guide me to release any bitterness I hold.

Apply

This week, identify one person you're struggling to forgive. Pray for the strength to release your resentment and take a small step toward reconciliation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

The Bible emphasizes forgiveness as a vital component of faith. Ephesians 4:32 instructs us to forgive as God forgives us. Genesis 50:17 illustrates the power of forgiveness through Joseph's act of mercy toward his brothers. Forgiveness is about freeing ourselves from bitterness and emulating God's love. It's a pathway to peace and reconciliation, both with God and others.

How do I forgive someone who hurt me?

Forgiving someone who has hurt you begins with a decision to let go of resentment. Ephesians 4:32 encourages us to be kind and tenderhearted. Pray for the person and ask God for strength to forgive. Remember, forgiveness does not mean excusing the behavior. It means releasing the hold it has on you, allowing healing to begin.

Does God forgive all sins?

God offers forgiveness for all sins to those who seek it with a repentant heart. 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and cleanse us. While God forgives, genuine repentance and a desire to turn away from sin are key. Forgiveness is a gift of grace, accessible to all who seek it sincerely.

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