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Cited by 19Biblical Studies and InterpretationReligion, Theology, History, Judaism, ChristianityKarl Barth and Christian Theology

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‘Who Can Forgive Sins but God Alone?’ Human and Angelic Agents, and Divine Forgiveness in Early Judaism

Johansson, Daniel·2011·Journal for the Study of the New Testament
DOI 10.1177/0142064x11404601
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Abstract

Was forgiveness of sins viewed as a divine prerogative, uniquely reserved for the God of Israel in early Judaism? While some scholars think this was the case, others have questioned or qualified such a view, arguing that other figures, such as priests, prophets, various messianic figures, or angels, could forgive sins in the place of God. This article surveys and critiques the main evidence that has been put forward to demonstrate this. The outcome is mainly negative. With the possible exception of one or two passages which may ascribe the authority to pardon sin to the Angel of YHWH, no firm evidence can be found which demonstrates that other figures than God forgave sins. Various strands of early Judaism conceived of human and angelic agents who interceded on behalf of others, expiated sin and mediated forgiveness from God, but they all seem to have shared the view that forgiveness is divine prerogative.

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Metadata

Authors
Johansson, D.
Affiliations
Stenbrogatan 3E, 431 43 Molndal, Sweden,
Corresponding author
Johansson, Daniel
ORCID
Johansson, Daniel
Venue
Journal for the Study of the New Testament
Publisher
SAGE Publications
Published
2011-06
Volume
33
Issue
4
Pages
351-374
ISSN
  • 0142-064X (ISSN-L)
  • 1745-5294
DOI
10.1177/0142064x11404601
OpenAlex
W2042653512
Cited by
19
References
0
Citations by year
2026: 3 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 2 · 2022: 2 · 2020: 2 · 2017: 1 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 4 · 2013: 1 · 2012: 1
FWCI
42.39
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
journals.sagepub.com/page/policies/text-and-data-mining-license (tdm)
Locations
Journal for the Study of the New Testament (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Biblical Studies and Interpretation
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Religious studies › Religion, Theology, History, Judaism, Christianity
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Philosophy › Karl Barth and Christian Theology
Keywords
divine forgiveness, sin, early Judaism, angels, intercession, mediation, priests, prophets, messianic figure, expiation

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: ‘Who Can Forgive Sins but God Alone?’ Human and Angelic Agents, and Divine Forgiveness in Early Judaism. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1177/0142064x11404601
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Johansson, D. (2011). ‘Who Can Forgive Sins but God Alone?’ Human and Angelic Agents, and Divine Forgiveness in Early Judaism. Journal for the Study of the New Testament. https://doi.org/10.1177/0142064x11404601