Keraia
Matthew 18

Matthew 18:25

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

Translations

Modern
Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
Traditional
But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
Literal
And on his having nothing to repay, the master commanded him to be sold—and the wife and the children and all of whatever he had—and repayment to be made.
Latin
Cum autem non haberet unde redderet, jussit eum dominus ejus venundari, et uxorem ejus, et filios, et omnia quæ habebat, et reddi.

Original

Greek
English
Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.

Notes

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.

Events

Parallels

Romans 12:14–21

Glossary

Debt Family Life and Relations Forgiveness Gospel Gospel of Matthew Grace Parable Riches

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Children: Sold for Debt Creditor: Merciful Creditors: God's Claim Upon Men Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor or Taking Him for a Servant Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Family Creditors: Often Exacted Debts by Selling the Debtor's Property Debtor: Laws Concerning Debtor: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Forgiveness of Enemies Forgiveness of Injuries: Illustrated Jesus, the Christ: Parable of The Unmerciful Servant Jesus, the Christ: Reproves the Ambition of his Disciples (At Capernaum) Kingdom of Heaven: Compared: To a King Who Called his Servants for a Reckoning (An Audit) Mercy: Denunciations Against Those Devoid of Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant Punishments: Secondary Kinds of Selling the Criminal Servant: Bond: Defaulting Debtors Made Servants: Slaves or Bond: Persons Unable to Pay Their Debts Liable to be Sold As Sin: Forgiveness of Women: Sold for Husband's Debts