100 Bible Verses About Forgiveness

Discover 100 powerful Bible verses about forgiveness. Learn how God forgives us, why we must forgive others, and how forgiveness brings healing and freedom.

BIBLE VERSES

Michael Carter

2/27/20265 min read

a person kneeling down in front of a cross
a person kneeling down in front of a cross

Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands in Scripture.

It feels unfair.
It feels costly.
Sometimes it feels impossible.

And yet, forgiveness sits at the very center of the Christian faith.

We forgive because we were forgiven first.

If your heart feels heavy, wounded, or conflicted, these 100 Bible verses about forgiveness will guide you toward freedom.

1. God’s Promise to Forgive

  1. 1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.

  2. Isaiah 1:18 – Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be white as snow.

  3. Psalm 103:12 – As far as the east is from the west.

  4. Micah 7:18–19 – You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.

  5. Hebrews 8:12 – I will remember their sins no more.

  6. Isaiah 43:25 – I blot out your transgressions.

  7. Psalm 32:5 – You forgave the guilt of my sin.

  8. Daniel 9:9 – The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving.

  9. Acts 3:19 – Repent and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out.

  10. Ephesians 1:7 – In Him we have redemption through His blood.

2. Forgiveness Through Jesus Christ

  1. John 3:16 – Whoever believes in Him shall not perish.

  2. Colossians 1:13–14 – In whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

  3. Romans 5:8 – While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

  4. Luke 23:34 – Father, forgive them.

  5. Matthew 26:28 – My blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

  6. 2 Corinthians 5:21 – God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us.

  7. 1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins in His body.

  8. Hebrews 9:22 – Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

  9. Romans 8:1 – There is now no condemnation.

  10. Acts 10:43 – Everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness.

3. Command to Forgive Others

  1. Colossians 3:13 – Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

  2. Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other.

  3. Matthew 6:14–15 – If you forgive others, your Father will forgive you.

  4. Mark 11:25 – When you stand praying, forgive.

  5. Luke 6:37 – Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

  6. Matthew 18:21–22 – Forgive seventy seven times.

  7. James 5:16 – Confess your sins to each other.

  8. Proverbs 17:9 – Whoever would foster love covers over an offense.

  9. 1 Peter 4:8 – Love covers over a multitude of sins.

  10. Romans 12:17–19 – Do not take revenge.

4. Forgiveness Brings Healing

  1. Psalm 147:3 – He heals the brokenhearted.

  2. Proverbs 19:11 – It is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.

  3. Matthew 11:28–29 – Come to Me, all who are weary.

  4. Isaiah 26:3 – You will keep in perfect peace.

  5. James 3:18 – Peacemakers reap righteousness.

  6. Hebrews 12:15 – See to it that no bitter root grows up.

  7. Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.

  8. Romans 12:18 – Live at peace with everyone.

  9. 2 Corinthians 2:7 – You ought to forgive and comfort him.

  10. Psalm 85:2 – You forgave the iniquity of Your people.

5. The Heart Attitude of Forgiveness

  1. Matthew 5:7 – Blessed are the merciful.

  2. Luke 17:3–4 – If they repent, forgive them.

  3. Proverbs 10:12 – Love covers all wrongs.

  4. Galatians 6:1 – Restore that person gently.

  5. Philippians 2:3 – In humility value others above yourselves.

  6. 1 Corinthians 13:5 – Love keeps no record of wrongs.

  7. James 2:13 – Mercy triumphs over judgment.

  8. Colossians 4:6 – Let your conversation be full of grace.

  9. Romans 14:13 – Stop passing judgment.

  10. Psalm 37:8 – Refrain from anger.

6. Examples of Forgiveness in Scripture

  1. Genesis 50:20 – You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.

  2. Luke 15:20 – The father ran to his son.

  3. 2 Samuel 9:7 – David showed kindness for Jonathan’s sake.

  4. Acts 7:60 – Lord, do not hold this sin against them.

  5. Jonah 4:2 – You are a gracious and compassionate God.

  6. Matthew 18:27 – The master took pity on him.

  7. John 8:11 – Neither do I condemn you.

  8. Philemon 1:15–16 – No longer as a slave, but better than a slave.

  9. 2 Chronicles 7:14 – I will forgive their sin and heal their land.

  10. Nehemiah 9:17 – You are a forgiving God.

7. Freedom Found in Forgiveness

  1. Galatians 5:1 – It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

  2. Psalm 130:3–4 – With You there is forgiveness.

  3. Isaiah 55:7 – He will freely pardon.

  4. Romans 6:23 – The gift of God is eternal life.

  5. Hebrews 10:17 – Their sins I will remember no more.

  6. Psalm 86:5 – You, Lord, are forgiving and good.

  7. John 8:36 – If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

  8. 2 Corinthians 5:17 – A new creation.

  9. Titus 3:5 – He saved us through the washing of rebirth.

  10. Romans 5:1 – We have peace with God.

8. Letting Go of Bitterness

  1. Ephesians 4:31–32 – Get rid of bitterness and rage.

  2. Hebrews 12:14–15 – Make every effort to live in peace.

  3. Colossians 3:8 – Rid yourselves of anger.

  4. Proverbs 20:22 – Do not say, I will pay you back.

  5. Matthew 5:44 – Love your enemies.

  6. Romans 12:21 – Do not be overcome by evil.

  7. Psalm 37:5 – Commit your way to the Lord.

  8. Isaiah 43:18–19 – Forget the former things.

  9. 1 Peter 3:9 – Do not repay evil with evil.

  10. James 1:20 – Human anger does not produce righteousness.

9. The Blessing of Being Forgiven

  1. Psalm 32:1 – Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven.

  2. Romans 4:7–8 – Blessed are those whose sins are covered.

  3. Psalm 103:2–3 – Who forgives all your sins.

  4. Isaiah 38:17 – You have put my sins behind Your back.

  5. Hebrews 4:16 – Approach the throne of grace with confidence.

  6. 1 John 2:12 – Your sins have been forgiven.

  7. Psalm 51:10 – Create in me a clean heart.

  8. Acts 13:38 – Through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed.

  9. Romans 8:11 – The Spirit gives life.

  10. 2 Corinthians 12:9 – My grace is sufficient.

10. Eternal Assurance Through Forgiveness

  1. John 5:24 – Has crossed over from death to life.

  2. Revelation 21:4 – He will wipe every tear.

  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 – God did not appoint us to suffer wrath.

  4. Hebrews 6:19 – Hope as an anchor for the soul.

  5. 2 Peter 3:9 – Not wanting anyone to perish.

  6. Romans 8:38–39 – Nothing can separate us from God’s love.

  7. Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work will carry it on.

  8. Jude 1:24 – To Him who is able to keep you from stumbling.

  9. 1 Corinthians 15:57 – Thanks be to God.

  10. Colossians 2:13–14 – He forgave us all our sins.

A Final Word

Forgiveness does not erase what happened.
It releases you from carrying it.

It does not say the pain was small.
It says God is bigger.

If you are struggling to forgive, start small. Pray honestly. Ask God for strength. Let His forgiveness toward you soften your heart toward others.

Freedom begins the moment you let go.

Read More:

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Bible verses on forgiveness and reconciliation

What does the Bible say about forgiveness

Does God forgive all sins? What the Bible really says

How to forgive yourself biblically