"dismission, deliverance, from captivity, Lk. 4:18 (2x); remission, forgiveness, pardon, Mt. 26:28"
Definition and meaning
dismission, deliverance, from captivity, Lk. 4:18 (2x); remission, forgiveness, pardon, Mt. 26:28
In the original Greek the word is written: ἄφεσις
Historical context
Rome had controlled Judea since 63 BC. Herod the Great rebuilt the Temple into one of the most magnificent structures in the ancient world — and simultaneously murdered members of his own family. The common people paid multiple layers of taxation and were politically powerless. Into that world a carpenter from Galilee began teaching that the kingdom of God had arrived.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of aphesis (G859) across the King James Bible.
For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
But he that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation:
To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.
To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
Refiner gives you the full lexicon entry, AI-powered verse insight, historical commentary, cross-references, and voice study — all in one place.
Free to start · Disciple $4.99/mo · Shepherd $9.99/mo
Common questions
Strong's G859 (aphesis) is a Greek word that means: dismission, deliverance, from captivity, Lk. 4:18 (2x); remission, forgiveness, pardon, Mt. 26:28 It appears 16 times in the King James Bible.
The word aphesis (G859) appears 16 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G859 is aphesis, a Greek word defined as: dismission, deliverance, from captivity, Lk. 4:18 (2x); remission, forgiveness, pardon, Mt. 26:28. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
aphesis is a Greek word found in the New Testament.