Selective usage of the word "forgiveness" @Episkopos -in Greek and Hebrew.
סָלַח (sālaḥ)
Meaning: To forgive, pardon
Usage: This verb is used almost exclusively of God's forgiveness in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing divine pardon.
Context:
It denotes the act of God forgiving sins, particularly in the context of covenantal relationships. This term highlights God's mercy and willingness to pardon when His people repent.
Examples:
Exodus 34:9: "And he said, 'If now I have found grace in thy sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I pray thee, go among us... and pardon (sālaḥ) our iniquity and our sin.'"
Psalm 103:3: "Who forgiveth (sālaḥ) all thine iniquities, who healeth all thy diseases."
Significance: The term implies divine grace and restoration of the relationship between God and humanity.
2. נָשָׂא (nāśā’)
Meaning: To lift, bear, or carry away (used metaphorically for forgiveness)
Usage: This term conveys the idea of "lifting away" or "bearing" sin, focusing on the removal of the burden of sin and guilt.
Context:
Often associated with God "bearing" the iniquity of His people and forgiving their sins by removing the guilt or punishment.
Examples:
Exodus 34:7: "Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving (nāśā’) iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty."
Psalm 32:1: "Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven (nāśā’), whose sin is covered."
Significance: The emphasis here is on the burden of sin being lifted or removed.
3. כָּפַר (kāpar)
Meaning: To cover, atone, or make reconciliation
Usage: Often used in a sacrificial context, kāpar refers to the covering or atonement of sin through a substitute.
Context:
Primarily associated with the Levitical sacrificial system, where blood sacrifices were offered to cover sins and reconcile the sinner to God.
Examples:
Leviticus 4:20: "And he shall do with the bullock as he did with the bullock for a sin offering; so shall he do with this: and the priest shall make an atonement (kāpar) for them, and it shall be forgiven them."
Psalm 78:38: "But he, being full of compassion, forgave (kāpar) their iniquity, and destroyed them not."
Significance: This term shows the role of atonement in forgiveness, showing how sins are "covered" through the sacrificial system.
4. מָחָה (māḥāh)
Meaning: To blot out, wipe away
Usage: This term expresses the erasure of sin, removing it entirely as though it never existed.
Context:
Often used in prayers for forgiveness, asking God to "wipe away" transgressions and cleanse the sinner completely.
Examples:
Psalm 51:1: "Have mercy upon me, O God... blot out (māḥāh) my transgressions."
Isaiah 43:25: "I, even I, am he that blotteth out (māḥāh) thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins."
Significance: This term highlights the completeness of God's forgiveness, where sin is erased and no longer held against the sinner.
5. עָבַר (ʿāvar)
Meaning: To pass over, overlook
Usage: While not always translated as forgiveness, ʿāvar conveys the idea of God "passing over" sins, showing forbearance or mercy.
Context:
Used in the context of God’s restraint in judgment, particularly during the Exodus and the institution of Passover.
Examples:
Micah 7:18: "Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth (ʿāvar) iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage?"
Exodus 12:13: "When I see the blood, I will pass over (ʿāvar) you."
Significance: This term emphasizes God's merciful patience and willingness to withhold judgment.
Summary of Key Concepts
Hebrew Word Meaning Focus Key Scripture Example
Sālaḥ To pardon, forgive Divine mercy in forgiving sin Exodus 34:9; Psalm 103:3
Nāśā’ To lift, carry away Removal of the burden of sin Exodus 34:7; Psalm 32:1
Kāpar To cover, atone Atonement through sacrifice Leviticus 4:20; Psalm 78:38
Māḥāh To blot out, erase Complete erasure of sin Psalm 51:1; Isaiah 43:25
ʿĀvar To pass over, overlook Mercy and forbearance Micah 7:18; Exodus 12:13
Theological Implications
Forgiveness in the Hebrew Bible often involves both divine grace and the requirement of atonement, particularly through sacrifices, which foreshadow Christ’s ultimate atonement (cf. Hebrews 9:22).
The various terms highlight the completeness of God’s forgiveness, covering all aspects of sin: its guilt, burden, need for atonement, and complete removal.
Each word points to a unique aspect of God’s character-His mercy (sālaḥ), His justice (kāpar), and His cleansing power (māḥāh).
These words together illustrate the rich and multifaceted nature of forgiveness in the Hebrew Bible, ultimately pointing to God’s redemptive plan fulfilled in Christ.
I would suggest you arm yourself with a Englishman's Concordance brother, we are in need of forgiveness AND sanctification.
J.
