New Testament
John 20:23
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If you forgive anyone's sins, they are forgiven them. If you retain anyone's sins, they are retained."
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Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
What John 20:23 means
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.
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Jesus Appears to His Disciples (John 20:19–23)
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Photo: Gary Todd (Gary Lee Todd, Ph.D.), via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication. Source. Location: Southern end of the Temple Mount, Jerusalem Old City. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying John 20:23
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of John
- Author
- John the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 85-95
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- All believers
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.
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