ἄφεσις (aphesis)
aphesis
forgiveness
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 16 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun aphesis denotes a formal release or dismissal, a sense rooted in its connection to the verb for sending away. In the Old Testament Greek translation, it appears as the technical term for the Jubilee year, marking the liberation of slaves and the return of land. This background gives the word a powerful weight when it shifts to spiritual contexts, where it signifies the freeing of people from the bondage of sin.
In the New Testament, aphesis specifically refers to the remission of sins or pardon. It is not merely an emotional feeling of relief but a legal and relational act of letting go, as if the offense had never been committed. This meaning appears frequently in Luke’s writings and in Mark, such as when John the Baptist preaches a baptism of repentance leading to this release (Mark 1:4), or when Jesus links the forgiveness of sins directly to His sacrificial death (Matthew 26:28).
Translators often render aphesis as "forgiveness," though this English term can sometimes feel subjective. The Greek word carries a more concrete sense of discharge from debt or penalty. By using this term, the biblical authors emphasize that forgiveness is an authoritative act of liberation, freeing the believer from the consequences that once held them captive.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word aphesis carries a sense of formal release, much like a prisoner being dismissed or a debt being cancelled. In the New Testament, it describes God’s decisive action to free us from the binding power of sin. This is not just a feeling of relief, but a concrete legal and relational act where the penalty is removed and we are set at liberty.
Scripture shows this release is rooted in Christ’s sacrifice. In Matthew 26:28, Jesus speaks of His blood being poured out for the remission of sins, establishing a new covenant that breaks our old chains. Through faith, we receive this pardon not by our own efforts, but as a gift of grace that restores our standing before God.
When you face guilt or shame, remember that aphesis means the debt is fully paid and the bond is broken. You are invited to rest in this freedom, knowing that your past does not define your future. May you walk in the peace of this released life, trusting in the completeness of Christ’s work for you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 16 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- forgiveness13×
- forgiveness.1×
- deliverance,1×
- deliverance1×
- [that] forgiveness1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἄφεσιν12×
- ἄφεσις2×
- ἄφεσις.¶1×
- ἀφέσει,1×
- ἀφέσει1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 26:28
for this is my blood of the new covenant, which is poured out for many for the remission of sins.
This verse anchors the concept of forgiveness in the sacrificial death of Jesus, showing that release from sin is purchased through His blood.
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Acts 2:38
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Peter links repentance and baptism directly to receiving this release, highlighting it as a central promise for new believers.
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Hebrews 9:22
According to the law, nearly everything is cleansed with blood, and apart from shedding of blood there is no remission.
This passage explains the necessary condition for forgiveness under the law, emphasizing that bloodshed is required for remission.
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Ephesians 1:7
In him we have our redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace
Paul connects forgiveness with redemption and grace, showing it as a rich gift available through Christ's blood.