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

JOHN 20:23KJV
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John 20:23 (KJV)

What does John 20:23 mean?

John 20:23 describes Jesus telling his disciples that if they forgive anyone’s sins, those sins are forgiven, and if they withhold forgiveness, those sins are not forgiven. This verse shows Jesus giving his followers a special responsibility related to forgiveness after his resurrection.

In this scene, the risen Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples in a locked room, just after appearing to them. The verse follows Jesus breathing on them and saying, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost,” which connects this authority to the Spirit’s work. The statement is often understood as Jesus entrusting his followers with the message and ministry of forgiveness, not as a personal power, but as representatives sharing God’s forgiveness.

The Greek behind John 20:23

  • ἀφίημι (aphiēmi, “remit” or “forgive”): This word means to send away, release, or forgive. In this context, it emphasizes the act of releasing someone from the guilt or penalty of sin, highlighting the idea of forgiveness as letting go.
  • κρατέω (krateō, “retain”): This word means to hold fast, keep, or retain. Here, it suggests holding onto sins, meaning not declaring them forgiven. The contrast with “remit” shows the seriousness of the responsibility Jesus gives.
  • ἁμαρτία (hamartia, “sins”): This is the common Greek word for “sins,” meaning offenses or failures to meet God’s standard. The focus is on moral or spiritual wrongdoing, not just mistakes.

Why John 20:23 matters

  • John 20:23 is sometimes misunderstood as giving unlimited personal authority to forgive or withhold forgiveness, but the context points to the disciples acting as messengers of God’s forgiveness, not as the source of it.
  • The verse connects the authority to forgive with the giving of the Holy Spirit, showing that this responsibility is tied to God’s work through his people, not to human power alone.
  • This moment is part of Jesus preparing his followers for their mission after his resurrection, highlighting the central role of forgiveness in the message they are to share.

Where else these words appear

“retain” Greek G2902 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose.
  • Mark 6:17 For Herod himself had sent forth and laid hold upon John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife: for he had married her.
  • Acts 3:11 And as the lame man which was healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together unto them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

“remit” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.
  • Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.