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.

“To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also.”

Paul makes forgiveness reciprocal and communal, showing that restoration can require people to align their response rather than preserve separate grievances.

Source note: 2 Corinthians 2:10, King James Version; Paul continues instructions about forgiving and receiving a person who had caused sorrow.

“Ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him.”

Forgiveness here includes restoration: after discipline has done its work, the community is told not to leave the person crushed by sorrow.

Source note: 2 Corinthians 2:7 in the King James Version; excerpt from Paul’s instruction about receiving and comforting a repentant member.

“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.

“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.

“The quality of mercy is not strained.”

Portia begins by arguing that real mercy cannot be forced; its moral value comes from being freely given rather than mechanically compelled.

Source note: The Merchant of Venice, Act 4, Scene 1; opening of Portia’s mercy speech during the trial.