New Testament

John 20:23

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, Jesus speaks to His disciples after His resurrection, giving them authority regarding forgiveness.

Author
John the apostle
Written
Around AD 85-95
Genre
Gospel
Original Audience
All believers
CBTClear Bible Translation

If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven them. If you retain anyone's sins, they are retained."

KJVKing James Version

Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Jesus speaks to His disciples after His resurrection, giving them authority regarding forgiveness. The phrase "if you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven" indicates that the disciples have a significant role in proclaiming God's forgiveness to others. Conversely, "if you retain anyone's sins, they are retained" suggests that they also have the responsibility to uphold the seriousness of sin. This authority is not about personal judgment but about declaring the truth of God's grace and the need for repentance. The context emphasizes the importance of the disciples' mission to spread the message of forgiveness through Christ, highlighting the transformative power of accepting or rejecting that message. This verse underscores the connection between faith, forgiveness, and the community of believers, as the disciples are entrusted with a vital aspect of their ministry.

How to apply John 20:23 to your life

This verse encourages believers to actively engage in forgiveness, reflecting God's grace in their relationships. It reminds us of the weight of our words and actions regarding sin, urging us to promote reconciliation and healing within our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. John Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does John 20:23 mean?

John 20:23 means that Jesus gives His disciples the authority to declare forgiveness of sins. It emphasizes their role in sharing God's message of grace and the importance of repentance.

What is the meaning of forgiveness in John 20:23?

In John 20:23, forgiveness refers to the act of declaring someone's sins forgiven based on their faith and repentance. It highlights the disciples' responsibility to communicate God's grace to others.

How does John 20:23 relate to discipleship?

John 20:23 relates to discipleship by showing that disciples are entrusted with the authority to proclaim forgiveness. This responsibility is central to their mission in spreading the teachings of Jesus.

What themes are present in John 20:23?

Themes in John 20:23 include forgiveness, authority, discipleship, sin, grace, and repentance. These themes highlight the relationship between faith and the community of believers.

The Book of John
Book Summary

The Book of John

John 1: The Word Made Flesh and the First Disciples

In the beginning is the Word, and the Word is with God, and the Word is God. All things are made by him, and in him is life, and the life is the light of men. The light shines in darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it. John the Baptist is sent from God to bear witness of the Light. He says he is not the Christ but comes to testify of him. The Word is made flesh and dwells among them, full of grace and truth. John bears witness and says that the one coming after him is preferred before him because he is before him.

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