UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: to pardon, to forgive, forgiveness

Semantic entry: 40.8

Semantic domains: Reconciliation, Forgiveness

Subdomains: Forgiveness

Definition: to remove the guilt resulting from wrongdoing

Notes: It is extremely important to note that the focus in the meanings of ἀφίημι[f], ἄφεσις[a], and ἀπολύω[e] is upon the guilt of the wrongdoer and not upon the wrongdoing itself. The event of wrongdoing is not undone, but the guilt resulting from such an event is pardoned. To forgive, therefore, means essentially to remove the guilt resulting from wrongdoing.|Some languages make a clear distinction between guilt and sin, and terms for forgiveness are therefore related to guilt and not to the wrongdoing. Therefore, ‘to forgive sins’ is literally ‘to forgive guilt.’ Though terms for ‘forgiveness’ are often literally ‘to wipe out,’ ‘to blot out,’ or ‘to do away with,’ it is obviously not possible to blot out or to wipe out an event, but it is possible to remove or obliterate the guilt.

Sense 2: release, liberty

Semantic entry: 37.132

Semantic domains: Control, Rule

Subdomains: Release, Set Free

Definition: the process of setting free or liberating