ἄφεσις
Freedom; (figuratively) pardon
Reading a lexicon entry
What this page is: Each lexicon entry shows the original Hebrew or Greek word behind the English translation: its meaning, its range of use, and where it appears in Scripture.
Strong's number: The Strong's code (H- or G-) is the standard reference number for this word. It connects this entry to chapter and passage language tabs.
Canonical witness: The witness passages show where this word is used in context. Click any to open the study page for that passage.
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What does ἄφεσις (áphesis) mean in the Bible?
ἄφεσις (áphesis) is a Greek word meaning "freedom; (figuratively) pardon". ἄφεσις, -εως, ἡ (ἀφίημι), [in LXX for יוֹבֵל, דְּרוֹר, etc. Points toward remission grounded in Christ’s atoning work. This term runs through the canonical themes of Covenant, Faith, Messiah.
Meaning
Pardon as active release from sin's penalty, not mere overlooking or suspension of judgment
(ἀφίημι), [in LXX for יוֹבֵל, דְּרוֹר, etc. (see Deiss., BS, 98 ff.; MM, see word) ;]
Why This Word Matters
Points toward remission grounded in Christ’s atoning work. Acts 10:24-48
Defines the nature of Christ’s redemptive mission. Acts 13:13-41
Central promise of the gospel offered to all who believe. Acts 26:9-18
Central blessing proclaimed in the gospel message. Luke 3:1–6
Expresses the heart of gospel benefit. Luke 4:14–30
Grammatical Forms
How this word appears across different grammatical cases and numbers.
Biblical Occurrences
Each occurrence shows the passage reference, the original language term as it appears in that context, its transliteration, and the contextual sense.
New Testament Witnesses
Word Pictures (Robertson)
A.T. Robertson's Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) discusses this term in the following chapters. Open any chapter and go to the Word Pictures tab to read his verse-by-verse commentary.
A.T. Robertson, Word Pictures in the New Testament (1930–31) — public domain