Forgiveness is a central theme in the Bible. God forgives us through Jesus Christ, and we are called to forgive others in return. Forgiveness brings healing, restores relationships, and reflects God’s mercy. Below are 50 powerful Bible verses about forgiveness, organized for easy reading.
God’s Forgiveness Toward Us
God’s mercy is greater than our sins. His forgiveness is freely given to those who repent and believe.
Psalm 103:12 — “As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.”
Isaiah 1:18 — “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
Isaiah 43:25 — “I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more.”
Daniel 9:9 — “The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.”
Micah 7:18 — “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?”
Matthew 26:28 — “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
Mark 3:28 — “Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter.”
Luke 24:47 — “Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”
Acts 10:43 — “Everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
1 John 1:9 — “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Forgiving Others
The Bible makes it clear: since God forgives us, we must forgive others.
Matthew 6:14 — “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Matthew 18:21-22 — “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Mark 11:25 — “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
Luke 6:37 — “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”
Luke 17:3-4 — “If they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day… you must forgive them.”
Colossians 3:13 — “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
Romans 12:17-18 — “Do not repay anyone evil for evil… live at peace with everyone.”
Proverbs 17:9 — “Whoever would foster love covers over an offense, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.”
Forgiveness Brings Healing
Forgiveness brings freedom from bitterness and opens the door to peace.
Psalm 32:1 — “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
Psalm 86:5 — “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you.”
Jeremiah 31:34 — “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Matthew 9:6 — “The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.”
Luke 7:47 — “Her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown.”
Acts 13:38 — “Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”
Romans 4:7 — “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.”
Romans 8:1 — “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Hebrews 8:12 — “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Hebrews 10:17 — “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”
God’s Call to Mercy and Compassion
Forgiveness is tied to love, grace, and compassion in Scripture.
Matthew 5:44 — “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Luke 23:34 — “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
John 20:23 — “If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven.”
2 Corinthians 2:7 — “Now instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow.”
2 Corinthians 2:10 — “What I have forgiven… I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake.”
Galatians 6:1 — “Restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.”
James 2:13 — “Judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
1 Peter 4:8 — “Love covers over a multitude of sins.”
Proverbs 19:11 — “It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.”
Zechariah 7:9 — “Show mercy and compassion to one another.”
Final Encouragements on Forgiveness
These verses remind us that forgiveness is not just a suggestion—it is a command rooted in God’s own nature.
Matthew 18:35 — “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”
Romans 5:8 — “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
2 Chronicles 7:14 — “If my people… will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will… forgive their sin.”
Nehemiah 9:17 — “But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love.”
Acts 7:60 — “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.”
1 Timothy 1:15-16 — “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy.”
Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
Hebrews 9:22 — “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
1 John 2:12 — “I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins have been forgiven on account of his name.”
Revelation 1:5 — “To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.”
Summary
The Bible shows forgiveness as a gift from God that we are called to pass on to others. It restores peace, heals wounds, and reflects God’s love. Forgiveness is at the heart of the Gospel—because Jesus forgave us, we can forgive others.
