Bible Verses About Forgiveness

Scriptures about forgiving others, receiving God's forgiveness, and letting go of bitterness.

King James Version
14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: 15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 6:14-15
32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32
13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
Colossians 3:13
25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Mark 11:25
37Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:
Luke 6:37
12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.
Psalms 103:12
18Come 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.
Isaiah 1:18
9If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9
18Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy. 19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.
Micah 7:18-19
19Repent 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;
Acts 3:19

Recommended reading

Study Bibles & devotionals

Go deeper than a single verse. These study Bibles and daily devotionals pair well with the topics here — adding context, commentary, and a rhythm for daily reading.

As an Amazon Associate this site earns from qualifying purchases. Links are sponsored. Browse all topics →

Related Topics

GraceLoveRepentanceCompassion

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about forgiveness?

Jesus taught that we must forgive others to receive God's forgiveness (Matthew 6:14-15). 1 John 1:9 promises that God is faithful to forgive sins when we confess them. Forgiveness is a central teaching of Christianity.

How many times should I forgive someone?

Jesus told Peter to forgive 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22), meaning without limit. Colossians 3:13 says to forgive as Christ forgave us. Biblical forgiveness is not optional for believers.

Does forgiveness mean forgetting or removing consequences?

Forgiveness does not require pretending the offense never happened or eliminating all consequences. God forgave David's sin with Bathsheba but consequences remained (2 Samuel 12:13-14). Forgiveness releases bitterness and the desire for personal revenge, while still allowing appropriate boundaries and justice. It is primarily about freeing the forgiver's heart.