We all make mistakes. Whether it’s a moment of weakness, a bad decision, or words we wish we could take back—we’ve all been there. But the beauty of the Bible is that it doesn’t leave us stuck in guilt. Instead, it points us toward God’s mercy, grace, and the path of restoration.
Asking for forgiveness isn’t just about saying sorry—it’s about turning back to God, letting Him clean our hearts, and stepping forward in faith. These Bible verses about asking for forgiveness offer comfort, hope, and practical direction for anyone seeking a fresh start with God.
35 Bible Verses About Asking for Forgiveness
1. 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Explanation: God promises full forgiveness when we’re honest and confess our wrongs. His faithfulness never fails.
2. Psalm 51:1-2
Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!
Explanation: David cries out for mercy after sinning. This heartfelt plea shows that forgiveness starts with sincere repentance.
3. Proverbs 28:13
Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Explanation: Hiding sin holds us back, but confession opens the door to God’s mercy and healing.
4. Acts 3:19
Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out,
Explanation: True repentance leads to a clean slate. Turning to God brings renewal and forgiveness.
5. Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…
Explanation: No sin is too deep for God to forgive. His cleansing power restores us completely.
6. Luke 6:37
Forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Explanation: God calls us to extend the same forgiveness we hope to receive. It’s a two-way street of grace.
7. Matthew 6:12
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Explanation: Forgiveness is part of the Lord’s Prayer. Asking God for grace should also move us to forgive others.
8. Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
Explanation: Jesus’ sacrifice is the foundation of forgiveness. His grace is more than enough for every failure.
9. Colossians 3:13
As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Explanation: A forgiven heart should become a forgiving heart. This verse reminds us to mirror God’s mercy.
10. Matthew 18:21-22
I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Explanation: Jesus teaches us that forgiveness should have no limit. God’s grace is endless — and so should ours be.
11. Psalm 103:12
As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.
Explanation: When God forgives, He doesn’t hold our past against us. He truly removes our sin.
12. Daniel 9:9
To the Lord our God belong mercy and forgiveness, for we have rebelled against him.
Explanation: God forgives even in our rebellion. His mercy is greater than our worst moments.
13. James 5:16
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.
Explanation: Confession brings healing. God uses community and prayer to restore us.
14. Micah 7:18
Who is a God like you, pardoning iniquity and passing over transgression…
Explanation: God delights in mercy. He forgives with joy and compassion.
15. Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more.
Explanation: God’s forgiveness is complete. He doesn’t bring up our past — He erases it.
16. 2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people… turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven… and will forgive their sin.
Explanation: God’s promise to forgive is rooted in our willingness to humble ourselves and turn back to Him.
17. Luke 15:21-22
Father, I have sinned… But the father said… ‘Bring quickly the best robe…’
Explanation: The Prodigal Son story shows how eagerly God welcomes us back when we ask for forgiveness.
18. Romans 4:7
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
Explanation: There’s a deep joy in being forgiven. It lifts a burden off our souls.
19. Mark 11:25
Forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father… may forgive you.
Explanation: Forgiveness isn’t optional. If we want God’s grace, we must extend it to others.
20. Psalm 86:5
For you, O Lord, are good and forgiving, abounding in steadfast love to all who call upon you.
Explanation: God’s goodness and love are inseparable from His forgiveness.
21. Nehemiah 9:17
But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful…
Explanation: Forgiveness is part of who God is. He’s always ready to offer a second chance.
22. Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked forsake his way… let him return to the Lord… and he will abundantly pardon.
Explanation: No matter how far we’ve strayed, God promises full pardon to those who return to Him.
23. Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Explanation: God rewards a forgiving heart. Mercy flows both ways.
24. Exodus 34:6-7
…a God merciful and gracious… forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin…
Explanation: From the beginning, God’s character has been defined by mercy and forgiveness.
25. 2 Corinthians 5:17
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away…
Explanation: Asking for forgiveness leads to a brand-new life in Christ — free from guilt.
26. Hebrews 10:17
I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more.
Explanation: God’s forgiveness is so complete that He chooses not to remember our wrongs.
27. Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance… but you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Explanation: Love and forgiveness go hand in hand. We’re called to release grudges.
28. Luke 23:34
Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
Explanation: Even on the cross, Jesus forgave. That same forgiveness is offered to us today.
29. Ezekiel 18:21
If a wicked person turns away from all his sins… he shall surely live; he shall not die.
Explanation: God always honors sincere repentance with life, not punishment.
30. 1 Kings 8:30
And listen… when your people Israel pray… and when you hear, forgive.
Explanation: God hears us when we pray for forgiveness — it’s always available.
31. Job 22:23
If you return to the Almighty you will be built up…
Explanation: Restoration comes with repentance. God rebuilds what’s been broken.
32. Romans 10:10
For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.
Explanation: Forgiveness and salvation begin with belief and honest confession.
33. 1 Peter 4:8
Love covers a multitude of sins.
Explanation: Love leads us to forgive and to seek forgiveness. It’s the heart of restoration.
34. Matthew 9:6
The Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.
Explanation: Jesus has the power to forgive — and He still does today for all who ask.
35. Titus 3:5
He saved us… by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.
Explanation: Forgiveness leads to renewal. Through the Holy Spirit, we are made new.
Letting Forgiveness Lead You Forward
These Bible verses about asking for forgiveness remind us that no matter how far we’ve wandered, God’s arms are always open. His mercy is constant, His grace unending. Forgiveness is not a sign of weakness—it’s the foundation of spiritual strength, healing, and renewal.
As you reflect on these scriptures, let them encourage you to bring your heart honestly before God. Whether it’s your first step toward faith or a return after many stumbles, God is ready to forgive, restore, and walk with you.
Have these verses touched your heart? Share your thoughts, favorite forgiveness verse, or personal experience in the comments below. Let’s encourage each other with stories of grace and healing.