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The concept of forgiveness in the Bible is as rich in linguistic diversity as it is in theological significance. By examining the etymological roots of the words used for forgiveness in the Hebrew and Greek texts, one can uncover deeper insights into its multifaceted role in the biblical narrative. These terms not only reflect cultural and historical understandings but also illuminate the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Hebrew: סָלַח (Salah)
In the Hebrew Scriptures, the primary term for forgiveness is salah (סָלַח), which appears exclusively in divine contexts. Salah signifies God’s gracious act of pardoning sin and restoring broken relationships, as seen in passages like Exodus 34:9 and Psalm 103:3. Its usage emphasizes that forgiveness is rooted in God’s initiative and unmerited favor, rather than human effort.
Another key Hebrew term, kaphar (כָּפַר), often translated as “atonement,” carries the idea of covering over sin. Found in Leviticus 16:30, it illustrates the sacrificial system’s role in effecting reconciliation.
A third term, nasa (נָשָׂא), meaning “to lift” or “to carry,” portrays forgiveness as the removal of sin’s burden (e.g., Psalm 32:5). Together, these words convey a rich view of the different actions at play in divine mercy: God forgives by pardoning, covering, and lifting away the weight of transgression.
Greek: ἄφεσις (Aphesis)
In the New Testament, the Greek word aphesis (ἄφεσις) is most commonly translated as “forgiveness” – although it’s not exactly what we understand by it nowadays. Derived from the verb aphiemi (ἀφίημι), meaning “to send away” or “to release,” aphesis vividly portrays forgiveness as the liberation from sin’s bondage – or, more precisely, from an economic debt. This imagery is especially prominent in Luke 4:18, where Jesus declares freedom for the oppressed.
Paul frequently employs charizomai (χαρίζομαι), rooted in charis (grace), to describe forgiveness as an act of divine generosity (e.g., Colossians 3:13). The term underscores the unearned and transformative nature of God’s forgiveness.
Another significant term, hilasmos (ἱλασμός), relates to propitiation and reconciliation, as seen in 1 John 2:2. It highlights Christ’s atoning sacrifice as the basis for forgiveness, bridging the chasm between humanity and God.
Theological Implications
The biblical words for forgiveness illuminate its multifaceted nature: an unmerited pardon, a liberation from sin, and a restoration of communion with God. Whether through the Hebrew imagery of lifting and covering sin or the Greek emphasis on release and grace, forgiveness emerges as a divine gift that reconciles and renews.
This article draws upon insights from the Etymological Dictionary of Biblical Hebrew: Based on the Commentaries of Samson Raphael Hirsch and the Etymological Dictionary of Greek (2010) by Robert Beekes. Commentaries are informed by these sources but are not exhaustive or definitive. Readers are encouraged to consult the original texts for deeper study and context.
