# Is “Forgive and forget” in the Bible?

> No. “Forgive and forget” is not in the Bible.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/forgive-and-forget
By Andrew Kittridge · November 9, 2026

Scripture commands forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), but it does not tell people to forget. It is God who says he will remember sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).

Not in the Bible. Origin: An old proverb. Versions of it are in Shakespeare’s King Lear and in Don Quixote.

## What the Bible says instead

> Put up with one another, and when anyone has a grievance against someone else, forgive each other. The Lord has forgiven you, so you are to forgive in the same way.
>
> — [Colossians 3:13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/colossians/3#13) (Lumin Translation)

> For I will be merciful toward their wrongdoing, and I will remember their sins no more.”
>
> — [Hebrews 8:12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/hebrews/8#12) (Lumin Translation)

## Common questions

### Is “Forgive and forget” in the Bible?

No. “Forgive and forget” is not in the Bible. Scripture commands forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), but it does not tell people to forget. It is God who says he will remember sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).

### Where does “Forgive and forget” come from?

An old proverb. Versions of it are in Shakespeare’s King Lear and in Don Quixote.

### What does the Bible say instead?

Read Colossians 3:13, Hebrews 8:12. Scripture commands forgiveness (Colossians 3:13), but it does not tell people to forget. It is God who says he will remember sins no more (Hebrews 8:12).

## More

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- [Is “Born again” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/born-again.md)
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- [Is “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone” in the Bible?](https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/cast-the-first-stone.md)
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- [Check any word or a whole song](https://www.lumin.faith/bible-verse-checker)