Keraia
Matthew 18

Matthew 18:28

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

Translations

Modern
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
Traditional
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
Literal
But having gone out, that servant found one of his fellow servants who was owing him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he was choking him, saying, ‘Repay what you owe!’
Latin
Egressus autem servus ille invenit unum de conservis suis, qui debebat ei centum denarios: et tenens suffocavit eum, dicens: Redde quod debes.

Original

Greek
English
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’

Notes

Matthew 18:28

A hundred denarii: The first servant owed a debt about one million times larger than this amount owed to him.

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 Forgiveness Gospel Gospel of Matthew Grace Parable Patience Pence Riches

Topics

Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Creditor: Oppressions of Creditors: Often Cruel in Exacting Debts 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) Malice: General Scriptures Concerning Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant