Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do

Cultural  

1. A prayer that Jesus spoke on the cross, concerning those who put him to death. (See Crucifixion.)

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Example Sentences

Quoting the Bible, she said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

From BBC • Nov. 14, 2025

There is, of course, dramatic precedent for forgiving the unrepentant: the words of Jesus on the Cross, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

From Time Magazine Archive

The proceedings were similar to those which took place throughout the western world and in far-away missionary lands�a multitudinous echoing of the cry of Christ: "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do."

From Time Magazine Archive

As Jesus Christ prayed for the cruel men who crucified Him, so they prayed: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."

From The Story of John Wesley Told to Boys and Girls by Kirlew, Marianne

And yet His Divine heart was full, to breaking, of love, and broke itself on the cross for them, and prayed, "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

From Godliness : being reports of a series of addresses delivered at James's Hall, London, W. during 1881 by Booth, Catherine Mumford