Hebrews 8:12
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
For
G3754
ὅτι
For
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
1 of 18
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἵλεως
merciful
G2436
ἵλεως
merciful
Strong's:
G2436
Word #:
2 of 18
cheerful (as attractive), i.e., propitious; adverbially (by hebraism) god be gracious!, i.e., (in averting some calamity) far be it
ταῖς
G3588
ταῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδικίαις
unrighteousness
G93
ἀδικίαις
unrighteousness
Strong's:
G93
Word #:
5 of 18
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀνομιῶν
iniquities
G458
ἀνομιῶν
iniquities
Strong's:
G458
Word #:
13 of 18
illegality, i.e., violation of law or (genitive case) wickedness
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 18
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
οὐ
G3756
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
16 of 18
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Romans 11:27For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.Isaiah 43:25I, even I, am he that blotteth out thy transgressions for mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins.Micah 7:19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.Jeremiah 33:8And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.Jeremiah 50:20In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.Isaiah 44:22I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.Colossians 1:14In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:Ephesians 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;Revelation 1:5And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,Psalms 25:7Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.
Historical Context
This promise of comprehensive forgiveness stands in stark contrast to the old covenant's repeated sacrifices that could never finally remove sin (10:1-4). The new covenant provides what the old could only anticipate - real, permanent atonement.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's promise to 'remember your sins no more' affect your conscience and peace with God?
- What is the basis for God's ability to forgive completely without compromising His justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The new covenant's foundation: 'I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more.' Complete, final forgiveness is promised. God's 'not remembering' doesn't mean divine amnesia but choosing not to hold sins against believers. This is possible only through Christ's perfect sacrifice that satisfied divine justice. Reformed theology grounds assurance in God's promise not to remember confessed sin, secured by Christ's blood.