ἄφεσιν  [4 verses](noun sg fem dat) "Forgiveness" is the noun aphesis, which means "letting go," "release," "relaxation," "exhaustion," exemption from attendance," "leave of absence," "divorce, and "the beginning [of anything]."  - - (CW) "Forgiveness" is the noun that means "letting go," "release," "relaxation," "exhaustion," "liberty," "exemption from attendance," "leave of absence," "divorce," and "the beginning [of anything]." It is the noun form of the word usually translated as "forgive" in the NT that has a meaning closer to "let go." See this article for more. CW --Confusing Word -- The "forgive" does not capture the word's specific meaning.