New Testament
Hebrews 8:12
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In this verse, God promises to show mercy to those who have sinned and to completely forget their wrongdoings.
- Author
- Author unknown; traditionally attributed to Paul
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Letter and sermon
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will remember their sins and iniquities no more.
For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, God promises to show mercy to those who have sinned and to completely forget their wrongdoings. This reflects the idea of forgiveness and grace, emphasizing that God does not hold our past sins against us once we seek His mercy. The context of this promise is rooted in the new covenant, where God establishes a relationship with His people based on love and forgiveness rather than strict adherence to the law. This assurance of mercy is a profound comfort, indicating that no matter how far we stray, God is willing to forgive and restore us. It highlights the transformative power of God's grace, which allows believers to move forward without the burden of guilt from their past actions. This verse reassures us that through faith, we can experience a fresh start and a renewed relationship with God, free from the weight of our sins.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Hebrews 8:12 to your life
This verse encourages us to embrace God's forgiveness and to let go of our past mistakes. It reminds us that we can start anew, free from guilt. We should also extend this mercy to others, forgiving them as God has forgiven us, fostering a spirit of grace in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Hebrews Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Hebrews 8:12 mean?
Hebrews 8:12 means that God promises to show mercy to those who have sinned and will completely forget their wrongdoings. This reflects His willingness to forgive and establish a loving relationship with His people.
What is the meaning of mercy in Hebrews 8:12?
In Hebrews 8:12, mercy refers to God's compassionate forgiveness towards our sins and failures. It signifies His readiness to overlook our past mistakes when we seek His grace.
How does Hebrews 8:12 relate to forgiveness?
Hebrews 8:12 relates to forgiveness by illustrating that God chooses to forget our sins when we repent. It encourages believers to accept God's mercy and to forgive others in the same way.
What themes are present in Hebrews 8:12?
The themes present in Hebrews 8:12 include God's mercy, forgiveness, the new covenant, grace, and restoration. It emphasizes the transformative power of God's love in our lives.

The Book of Hebrews
Hebrews 1: The Son Above the Angels
God, who formerly spoke through the prophets in many ways, has now spoken through His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things and through whom He made the worlds. The Son is the brightness of God's glory and the express image of His person, upholding all things by His power, and after purging sins He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. The writer proves through Scripture that the Son is far greater than the angels: He is called the Son of God, receives worship from the angels, possesses an eternal throne, and laid the foundations of the earth, while angels are ministering spirits sent to serve the heirs of salvation.
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