The term "forgavest" is an archaic form of the word "forgave," which is used in older English translations of the Bible. It is a second person singular past tense form, often found in prayers or direct addresses to God, reflecting a personal and intimate acknowledgment of God's forgiveness. The concept of forgiveness is central to Christian theology and is deeply rooted in the character of God as revealed in the Scriptures.

Biblical Context

Forgiveness is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's mercy and grace towards humanity. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word often translated as "forgive" is "סָלַח" (salach), which conveys the idea of pardoning or sparing. In the New Testament, the Greek word "ἀφίημι" (aphiēmi) is commonly used, meaning to let go, release, or remit.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, God's forgiveness is frequently associated with His covenantal relationship with Israel. For instance, in Psalm 86:5 , it is written, "For You, O Lord, are kind and forgiving, rich in loving devotion to all who call on You." This verse highlights God's readiness to forgive those who seek Him with a sincere heart.

The sacrificial system established in the Mosaic Law also underscores the importance of atonement and forgiveness. Leviticus 4 outlines various offerings for unintentional sins, demonstrating the need for a substitute to bear the penalty of sin, pointing ultimately to the perfect sacrifice of Christ.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of forgiveness reaches its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' teachings emphasize the necessity of forgiving others as a reflection of God's forgiveness towards us. In Matthew 6:14-15 , Jesus states, "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours."

The ultimate act of forgiveness is seen in the crucifixion of Jesus, where He bore the sins of humanity. In Luke 23:34 , Jesus prays, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." This profound moment encapsulates the heart of the Gospel—God's willingness to forgive even the gravest of sins through the sacrifice of His Son.

Theological Significance

Forgiveness is not merely a divine attribute but also a command for believers. Christians are called to emulate God's forgiveness in their relationships with others. Ephesians 4:32 instructs, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse underscores the transformative power of forgiveness, fostering reconciliation and unity within the body of Christ.

Practical Application

The practice of forgiveness is essential for spiritual growth and community harmony. It requires humility, empathy, and a recognition of one's own need for grace. By forgiving others, believers participate in the redemptive work of Christ, breaking the cycle of bitterness and resentment.

In summary, "forgavest" reflects a deep, personal acknowledgment of God's forgiveness, a theme that permeates the entirety of Scripture. It calls believers to both receive and extend forgiveness, embodying the love and mercy of God in their daily lives.

Forgiveness and Retribution
... AND RETRIBUTION. 'Thou wast a God that forgavest them, though Thou tookest
vengeance of their inventions.'"Psalm 99:8. When the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/forgiveness and retribution.htm

Of the Various Fruits of Penitence.
... by means of confession of sins, their absolution is granted: for "I said: I will
confess against myself my sin to the Lord: and Thou forgavest the iniquity of ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter viii of the various.htm

How they are to be Admonished who Lament Sins of Deed, and those ...
... Whence it is rightly said by the Psalmist, I said I will declare against myself
my iniquities to the Lord, and thou forgavest the impiety of my heart (Psalm 31 ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxix how they are.htm

Out of the Deep of Sin.
... Psalm 51:3. I said, I will confess my sins unto the Lord; and so Thou
forgavest the wickedness of my sin."Psalm 32:6. Blessed is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/out of the deep/ii out of the deep.htm

On Tuesday, or at Tierce.
... numbered with the guilty; 7. Thou wast condemned and reviled by the thief on Thy
left; 8. But wast invoked by him on the right; 9. Thou forgavest the latter ...
/.../suso/a little book of eternal wisdom/on tuesday or at tierce.htm

Article vi: of Confession and Satisfaction.
... times in the Psalms mention is made of confession, as, Ps.32, 5: I said, I will
confess my transgressions unto the Lord; and Thou forgavest the iniquity of my ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 16 article vi of.htm

Pardon and Peace
... have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord;
and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. For this shall ...
/.../kingsley/town and country sermons/sermon xxix pardon and peace.htm

Special Preparation for Baptism.
... like David, I said, I will confess me my sin unto the Lord ; and the same shall
be done in thy case, which he says forthwith, and Thou forgavest the wickedness ...
/.../chapter iii special preparation for baptism.htm

Psalm XXXII.
... "And Thou forgavest the iniquity of my heart" (ver.5); hearing the word of
confession in the heart, before it was uttered with the voice. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xxxii.htm

Whether a Movement of the Free Will against Sin is Required for ...
... On the other hand: it is said in Ps.32:5: "I said, I will confess my transgressions
unto the Lord; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.". ...
/.../aquinas/nature and grace/article five whether a movement.htm

Forgavest (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Forgavest (2 Occurrences). ... I said, I will confess my
transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin. Selah. ...
/f/forgavest.htm - 7k

Forge (2 Occurrences)

/f/forge.htm - 9k

Forgave (13 Occurrences)

/f/forgave.htm - 10k

Inventions (8 Occurrences)
... (YLT). Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest
them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. (KJV WBS). ...
/i/inventions.htm - 8k

Tookest (4 Occurrences)
... Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest
them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. (KJV JPS ASV DBY WBS). ...
/t/tookest.htm - 7k

Misdeeds (6 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O Jehovah our God: Thou wast a God that
forgavest them, Though thou tookest vengeance of their doings. (See JPS NIV). ...
/m/misdeeds.htm - 8k

Answeredst (3 Occurrences)
... Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that forgavest
them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. (KJV ASV DBY). ...
/a/answeredst.htm - 7k

Confession (22 Occurrences)
... 32:5 I acknowledged my sin unto thee, And mine iniquity did I not hide: I said,
I will confess my transgressions unto Jehovah; And thou forgavest the iniquity ...
/c/confession.htm - 20k

Wast (84 Occurrences)
... (See RSV). Psalms 99:8 Thou answeredst them, O LORD our God: thou wast a God that
forgavest them, though thou tookest vengeance of their inventions. ...
/w/wast.htm - 33k

Forgive (81 Occurrences)
... Thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid; I said: 'I will make confession concerning
my transgressions unto the LORD' --and Thou, Thou forgavest the iniquity of ...
/f/forgive.htm - 33k

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