The meaning of “ἄφεσις”
Understanding áphesis reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission. - freedom - (figuratively) pardon
ἄφεσις
deliverance, forgiveness, liberty, remission. - freedom - (figuratively) pardon
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 26:28 | “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.” Word: ἄφεσις (áphesis) | |
| Mark 3:29 | “But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:” Word: ἄφεσις (áphesis) | |
| Luke 4:18 | “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,” Word: ἄφεσις (áphesis) | |
| Acts 10:43 | “To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” Word: ἄφεσις (áphesis) | |
| Ephesians 1:7 | “In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;” Word: ἄφεσις (áphesis) |
Theological Word Study: Forgive
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To forgive, pardon, lift up
The Hebrew salach (סָלַח) is used exclusively of God's forgiveness—divine pardon that only He can grant. Nasa (נָשָׂא) means to lift up or carry away, picturing sin being removed.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To send away, forgive, release
The Greek aphiemi (ἀφίημι) means to send away or release—canceling a debt or dismissing an offense. Jesus taught us to pray 'forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors' (Matthew 6:12).