The meaning of “ἀφίημι”
Understanding aphíēmi reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up. - an...
ἀφίημι
cry, forgive, forsake, lay aside, leave, let (alone, be, go, have), omit, put (send) away, remit, suffer, yield up. - an intensive form of , to go) - to send forth, in various applications (as follow)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 18:12 | “How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?” Word: ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) | |
| Luke 12:10 | “And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.” Word: ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) | |
| Acts 14:17 | “Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Word: ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) | |
| 1 Corinthians 7:12 | “But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.” Word: ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) | |
| James 5:15 | “And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” Word: ἀφίημι (aphíēmi) |
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).