The term "forgiveth" is an archaic form of the word "forgives," often found in older translations of the Bible. It refers to the act of pardoning an offense or debt, a central theme in Christian theology and practice. Forgiveness is a divine attribute and a moral imperative for believers, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

In the Bible, forgiveness is primarily associated with God's mercy and grace. The Lord is described as one who forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin. In Exodus 34:6-7 , God reveals Himself to Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin."

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's forgiving nature. Psalm 103:2-3 encourages believers to "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds—He who forgives all your iniquities and heals all your diseases." This passage highlights the comprehensive nature of God's forgiveness, which is not limited to spiritual restoration but extends to physical healing.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, forgiveness is central to the message of Jesus Christ. The Lord's Prayer, as recorded in Matthew 6:12 , includes a petition for forgiveness: "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This prayer underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness, where receiving God's forgiveness is linked to forgiving others.

Jesus' parables often illustrate the importance of forgiveness. In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus teaches that those who have been forgiven much are expected to forgive others. The parable concludes with a stern warning: "This is how My Heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart" (Matthew 18:35).

Apostolic Teachings

The apostles continue the theme of forgiveness in their writings. The Apostle Paul, in Ephesians 4:32 , exhorts believers to "be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This instruction emphasizes the model of Christ's forgiveness as the standard for Christian conduct.

Similarly, in Colossians 3:13 , Paul writes, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This passage reinforces the idea that forgiveness is not optional but a necessary expression of the new life in Christ.

Theological Significance

Forgiveness is not merely a moral duty but a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel. It is through Christ's sacrificial death and resurrection that believers receive forgiveness of sins. As stated in Ephesians 1:7 , "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace."

The act of forgiving others is a demonstration of the believer's understanding and acceptance of God's grace. It is an acknowledgment of one's own need for forgiveness and a commitment to live in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Forgiveness fosters reconciliation, peace, and unity within the body of Christ, serving as a witness to the world of God's love and mercy.

Practical Application

Forgiveness is a daily practice for Christians, requiring humility, patience, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. It involves letting go of resentment, bitterness, and the desire for revenge. Believers are called to forgive repeatedly, as Jesus instructed Peter to forgive "not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:22).

In summary, "forgiveth" encapsulates a profound biblical truth: the call to forgive as God forgives. It is an essential aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting the heart of the Gospel and the character of God Himself.

The Three Facts of Sin
... "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; ... "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; Who healeth
all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction.". ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the three facts of sin.htm

1 John iv. 12-Apr
... [2354] Now that which forgiveth is none other than charity. ... Let charity be
there, and she fearlessly forgiveth, not being straitened. ...
/.../ten homilies on the epistle of john to the parthians/homily vii 1 john iv.htm

Forgiveness and Love.
... When He spoke to an unfortunate the great word, Go, thy sins are forgiven thee,
they murmured among themselves and said, Who is this that forgiveth sins? ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/vi forgiveness and love.htm

Jesus Charged with Blasphemy
... was a group of keen-eyed hunters after heresy sitting eagerly on the watch, who
snatched at the words in a moment, and said, 'Who is this that forgiveth sins? ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/jesus charged with blasphemy.htm

Mercy and Pity in the Judgment of God.
... This is the order observed in the psalm, where it is said: "Bless the Lord, O my
soul, and forget not all His recompenses; who forgiveth all thine iniquities ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 59 mercy and pity in.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Luke vii. 37, "And Behold, a Woman who ...
... to love less; it is right that we should sin much, and owe much which we may desire
to be forgiven us, that so we may love Him the more who forgiveth us our ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xlix on the words.htm

Psalm CIII.
... rewards. 4. Hear ye all His rewards. "Who forgiveth all thy sin: who healeth
all thine infirmities" (ver.3). Behold His rewards. What ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm ciii.htm

The Three Facts of Salvation
... THE THREE FACTS OF SALVATION. "Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; ... The three facts
of Sin were:". 1. The Guilt of Sin""Who forgiveth all thine iniquities.". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/the three facts of salvation.htm

Again, on Matt. vi. On the Lord's Prayer. To the Competentes.
... Forgive, as ye are forgiven. God can do no one wrong, and yet He forgiveth
who oweth nothing. How then ought he to forgive, who ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon vii again on matt.htm

Clifford -- the Forgiveness of Sins
... In the ancient Psalms we hear it oft""Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is
within me bless his holy name, who forgiveth all thine iniquities, who ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 8/clifford the forgiveness of.htm

Forgiveth (4 Occurrences)
...Forgiveth (4 Occurrences). Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to
say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/f/forgiveth.htm - 7k

Iniquities (59 Occurrences)
... Psalms 78:38 But He, being full of compassion, forgiveth iniquity, and destroyeth
not; yea, many a time doth He turn His anger away, and doth not stir up all ...
/i/iniquities.htm - 25k

Forgiving (11 Occurrences)

/f/forgiving.htm - 10k

Forgives (6 Occurrences)

/f/forgives.htm - 8k

Compassionate (22 Occurrences)
... Psalms 78:38 But He, being full of compassion, forgiveth iniquity, and destroyeth
not; yea, many a time doth He turn His anger away, and doth not stir up all ...
/c/compassionate.htm - 12k

Meat (387 Occurrences)
... Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves,
Who is this that forgiveth sins also? (KJV ASV YLT). ...
/m/meat.htm - 36k

Within (400 Occurrences)
... (KJV ASV WBS YLT). Luke 7:49 And they that sat at meat with him began to say within
themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/w/within.htm - 36k

Healeth (8 Occurrences)
... the people. (YLT). Psalms 103:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who
healeth all thy diseases; (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). Psalms 107 ...
/h/healeth.htm - 8k

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