King James Version

What Does John 20:23 Mean?

John 20:23 in the King James Version says “Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.” — study this verse from John chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.”

John 20:23 · KJV

Context

21

Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.

22

And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:

23

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

24

But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25

The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.

Read John 20 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. This controversial verse grants disciples authority in sin's remission/retention. The Greek perfect passive construction (aphēontai, ἀφέωνται; kekratēntai, κεκράτηνται) indicates completed action with ongoing results: "have been and remain forgiven/retained." This suggests disciples declare rather than determine forgiveness—they announce what God has already accomplished through Christ's work.

Protestant interpretation emphasizes declarative authority: as ambassadors proclaiming gospel (2 Corinthians 5:20), ministers announce forgiveness to believers and warn unrepentant sinners of retained guilt. Roman Catholic theology sees sacramental authority for priestly absolution. The context supports Protestant reading: immediately following Spirit-reception (v.22) and mission-commissioning (v.21), this authority flows from gospel proclamation. Those who believe the apostolic message receive forgiveness (Acts 2:38, 10:43); those who reject it remain in sin (John 3:18, 36). The church's authority derives from faithfulness to Christ's Word, not institutional hierarchy. This power operates through preaching, not religious ceremony divorced from gospel content.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Jesus's language parallels rabbinic authority to "bind and loose" (Matthew 16:19, 18:18)—declaring what is permitted or forbidden under Torah. Early church preaching exercised this authority: Peter announced forgiveness at Pentecost (Acts 2:38) and pronounced judgment on Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11). Paul exercised church discipline (1 Corinthians 5:5) and pronounced blessing on faithful churches (Romans 15:29).

Church history shows varied applications. Eastern Orthodoxy and Catholicism developed formal confession with priestly absolution. Reformers like Luther and Calvin rejected sacramental penance while affirming ministerial authority to proclaim forgiveness through gospel preaching and warn of judgment for impenitence. Anabaptist traditions emphasized congregational discipline. All Christian traditions recognize some form of this authority, disagreeing on its locus (ordained clergy vs. all believers) and exercise (sacramental vs. declarative). The text's emphasis on Spirit-empowerment (v.22) and mission context (v.21) suggests authority functions through faithful gospel proclamation in the Spirit's power.

Reflection Questions

  1. How should the church exercise authority to announce forgiveness and warn of judgment in contemporary contexts?
  2. What is the relationship between Christ's finished work, the Spirit's power, and the church's ministry of reconciliation?
  3. How do you balance gospel assurance of forgiveness with sober warnings about impenitence?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
ἄν1 of 11

“soever”

G302

whatsoever

τινων2 of 11

“Whose”

G5100

some or any person or object

ἀφιένται3 of 11

“they are remitted”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὰς4 of 11
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁμαρτίας5 of 11

“sins”

G266

a sin (properly abstract)

ἀφιένται6 of 11

“they are remitted”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτοῖς7 of 11

“unto them”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἄν8 of 11

“soever”

G302

whatsoever

τινων9 of 11

“Whose”

G5100

some or any person or object

κεκράτηνται10 of 11

“sins ye retain”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

κεκράτηνται11 of 11

“sins ye retain”

G2902

to use strength, i.e., seize or retain (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of John. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

John 20:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to John 20:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:18Matthew 16:19Acts 13:38-39Mark 2:5-10Acts 10:43Acts 2:38

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