How does forgiveness develop through the rest of Scripture?

Forgiveness moves from Joseph's mercy (Genesis 50) to the Day of Atonement, to Jesus teaching us to pray 'forgive us our debts' (Matthew 6:12) and forgiving from the cross, securing forgiveness 'through his blood' (Ephesians 1:7).

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Law of First Mention

Where Does the Bible First Mention Forgiveness?

Q: Where does the Bible first mention forgiveness?

The Bible first mentions forgiveness in Genesis 50:17, using the original word nasa (נשא) — 'to lift, bear away'. Joseph's brothers plead, 'Forgive... the trespass'—the first explicit request for forgiveness, answered by Joseph's grace, a striking picture of pardon within a wounded family.

The Bible first mentions forgiveness in Genesis 50:17, from the original word nasa (נשא) — 'to lift, bear away'. Joseph's brothers plead, 'Forgive... the trespass'—the first explicit request for forgiveness, answered by Joseph's grace, a striking picture of pardon within a wounded family.

The Seed of Everything That Follows

The first plea for forgiveness is met with grace, not revenge.

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