The Greek verb aphiēmi means to send away, release, let go, leave, permit, or forgive. In its theological usage it is the primary New Testament verb for forgiveness — the divine act of sending away sin, releasing the debtor from their obligation. It occurs over 140 times and is central to Jesus' ministry and teaching.
Aphiēmi as 'forgiveness' carries the vivid image of sin being sent away, debts being cancelled, and the guilty party being released. Jesus connected it to prayer (Matthew 6:12 — 'forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors'), to healing (Mark 2:5 — 'Son, your sins are forgiven'), and to eschatological warning (Matthew 12:31–32 — the unforgivable sin). The authority to forgive sins was one of the most controversial claims Jesus made, challenged as blasphemy (Mark 2:7 — 'Who can forgive sins but God alone?'). Paul's gospel declaration that sins are 'forgiven' (aphiēmi-related) through Christ's blood (Ephesians 1:7) makes this the experiential center of redemption.