The idiom “to err is human; to forgive divine” refers to the human tendency to make mistakes and the divine or virtuous quality of forgiving those mistakes. It conveys the idea that making errors is part of being human, but forgiving others is an act of great virtue, akin to a divine quality.
✔ Meaning:
- “To err is human” suggests that making mistakes is a natural part of being human. It acknowledges that everyone, at some point, makes errors in judgment or action.
- “To forgive divine” emphasizes that forgiving others for their mistakes is not just a moral act but a divine or godly act, requiring compassion, grace, and understanding.
In essence, the idiom highlights the balance between human imperfection and the divine nature of forgiveness.
✔ Used When:
- When someone makes a mistake, and the situation calls for understanding or forgiveness rather than punishment or anger.
- To remind others that everyone is bound to make errors, and offering forgiveness shows moral strength and compassion.
- To advise people to forgive and not hold grudges, as forgiveness is viewed as a higher quality, much like divine nature.
✔ Implied Message:
The idiom stresses the importance of forgiving others for their mistakes and imperfections, acknowledging that everyone is prone to err. It is often used to inspire compassion and encourage the practice of forgiveness in difficult situations.
Hindi Equivalent:
“गलती इंसान से, माफी भगवान से” (अर्थ: इंसान से गलती होना सामान्य है, परंतु माफी देना ईश्वर का गुण है)
🧠 Detailed Explanation
The idiom “to err is human; to forgive divine” highlights two important aspects of human nature:
- Human Error: Everyone, regardless of intelligence, wisdom, or status, makes mistakes. Errors are a natural part of life, and it is impossible to be perfect.
- Forgiveness as a Divine Act: While humans make mistakes, the ability to forgive others is considered a noble quality. To forgive is not merely a human virtue but something that transcends human limitations and is often associated with the divine or godly.
This expression encourages empathy, reminding people to show understanding when others make mistakes and not to hold grudges.
Example Sentences:
English: “He apologized for his actions. Remember, to err is human; to forgive divine, let’s move on and forget about it.”
Hindi: “उसने अपने काम के लिए माफी मांगी। याद रखो, गलती इंसान से, माफी भगवान से है, चलिए इसे भूलकर आगे बढ़ते हैं।”
English: “It’s tough, but we must forgive. To err is human; to forgive divine.”
Hindi: “यह मुश्किल है, लेकिन हमें माफ करना चाहिए। गलती इंसान से, माफी भगवान से है।”
Key Takeaways:
- “To err is human; to forgive divine” is a reminder that mistakes are a part of life, and forgiveness is a noble, virtuous act.
- It encourages understanding and compassion in the face of mistakes, focusing on the importance of forgiveness instead of holding grudges.
- The idiom also implies that forgiving others is a higher moral act, often viewed as godly or divine in nature.
✔ Origin of the Idiom:
This idiom is often attributed to the Alexander Pope, a famous English poet who included the phrase in his “An Essay on Criticism” (1709). The full quote goes:
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”
It reflects Pope’s idea that forgiveness is a virtue that goes beyond the human nature of making mistakes and represents a quality close to divinity.
✔ Real-World Examples:
In Personal Life:
English: “She didn’t mean to hurt your feelings. Remember, to err is human; to forgive divine. Let’s not dwell on it.”
Hindi: “उसने जानबूझकर तुम्हारे जज़्बात नहीं आहत किए। याद रखो, गलती इंसान से, माफी भगवान से है। इसे छोड़ दो।”
In Professional Contexts:
English: “The project didn’t go as planned, but we’ll sort it out. To err is human; to forgive divine, so let’s move ahead.”
Hindi: “प्रोजेक्ट योजना के मुताबिक नहीं हुआ, लेकिन हम इसे ठीक कर लेंगे। गलती इंसान से, माफी भगवान से है, तो चलिए आगे बढ़ते हैं।”
When to Use the Idiom:
- When someone apologizes or acknowledges their mistake and you are encouraged to forgive them.
- To convey understanding in situations where mistakes have been made, reminding others that forgiveness is a virtue.
- To resolve conflicts and encourage moving past mistakes with a graceful attitude.
Reflection Questions:
- Have you ever struggled to forgive someone? How did you deal with it?
- Do you think forgiving others is easier said than done? Why or why not?
- How do you practice forgiveness in your life?
🔁 Similar Expressions
| English Idiom | Hindi Meaning |
|---|---|
| To forgive is to forget | माफ करना ही भूल जाना है |
| Forgiveness is the key to peace | माफी शांति की कुंजी है |
| Give someone the benefit of the doubt | किसी को संदेह का लाभ देना |
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