Keraia
Matthew 18

Matthew 18:22

The Unforgiving Servant · Matthew 18:21–35
Read Matthew 18

Translations

Modern
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!
Traditional
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Literal
Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times!
Latin
Dicit illi Jesus: Non dico tibi usque septies: sed usque septuagies septies.

Original

Greek
English
Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

Notes

Matthew 18:22

Seventy-seven times: sus teaches that forgiveness should have no limit. His followers must forgive sincerely, not only in words but also in attitude and actions (Matthew 18:35; see also Genesis 4:23–24).

Matthew 18:21–35

Peter thought forgiving seven times was generous, but Jesus surprised him. A disciple should graciously forgive like God does, without limits and freely (see Matthew 18:10–14). If someone does not forgive in this way, it shows they have not experienced God's forgiveness for themselves (18:35; see 6:12).

Matthew 18:15–35

The community of believers should stay united and avoid conflicts. Members should seek reconciliation (Matthew 18:15–20) and be ready to forgive (18:21–35). Sometimes, strict discipline might be necessary (18:17).

Matthew 18:1–35

This fourth major teaching in Matthew (see study note on Matthew 5:1–7:29) focuses on how people responded to the Messiah. The disciples accepted him, while the Jewish leaders and most people did not. As this division increased, Jesus taught his disciples about community life.

To follow the standards of Jesus, a community should live with:

Like the other teachings, a closing statement (19:1–2) connects to the next section.

Theme notes and profiles

Symbolic Numbers

Events

Parallels

Romans 12:14–21

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world

Glossary

Forgiveness Gospel of Matthew Lamech Numbers and Numerology

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Commandments: Precepts of Jesus--Explicitly Stated, or Implied in Didactic Discourse Families: should Live in Mutual Forbearance Family of Saints: Live in Mutual Forbearance Forgive Forgiveness of Enemies Forgiveness of Injuries: To be Unlimited Forgiveness of Sins Forgiving One Another Forgiving Others Forgiving Self Forgiving your Enemies Fraternity: General Scriptures Concerning God's Forgiveness Holding Grudges Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Ambition of his Disciples (At Capernaum) Second Chances The Number Seven