What does this quote mean?

“To err is human; to forgive, divine.”

Error is treated as ordinary human limitation, while forgiveness requires an additional act of generosity.

Source note: An Essay on Criticism, Part II; Pope warns that shallow learning can produce premature confidence before deeper study tempers judgment.

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind.”

Love is defined partly through patience and kindness, shifting the idea from emotion alone toward repeated behavior under strain.

Source note: 1 Corinthians 13:4 in the King James Version; this is the opening clause of the verse.

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.”

Support becomes concrete when people help carry difficulties that would otherwise be faced alone.

Source note: Galatians 6:2 in the King James Version.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

Forgiveness is placed beside kindness and tenderheartedness, suggesting that pardon is not only the cancellation of a grievance but part of an ongoing way of treating people.

Source note: Ephesians 4:32 in the King James Version; excerpt from the verse before its comparison with divine forgiveness.

“Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin;”

The request comes after their father’s death, when Joseph’s brothers fear retaliation and appeal directly for forgiveness of the wrong they committed against him.

Source note: Genesis 50:17, King James Version; Joseph’s brothers send a message asking pardon for their earlier wrongdoing against him.

“If ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.”

The emphasis falls on forgiveness that is more than outward compliance: the teaching demands a response rooted in the heart rather than merely performed.

Source note: Matthew 18:35, King James Version; the sentence concludes the parable of the unforgiving servant and returns to forgiveness between people.