Keraia
Matthew 18

Matthew 18:35

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

Translations

Modern
That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Traditional
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Literal
Thus also My heavenly Father will do to you unless each of you should forgive his brother from your hearts.”
Latin
Sic et Pater meus cælestis faciet vobis, si non remiseritis unusquisque fratri suo de cordibus vestris.

Original

Greek
English
That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Notes

Matthew 18:35

That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you: Prison and torture (Matthew 18:34) is a metaphor for hell (see 5:22).

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

God’s Promised Kingdom

Events

Parallels

Romans 12:14–21

Glossary

Debt Forgiveness Gospel Gospel of Matthew Grace Riches

Topics

Brother: Signifies: Mankind Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Creditor: Oppressions of Forgiveness of Enemies Forgiveness of Injuries: Illustrated Fraternity: General Scriptures Concerning Going to your Brother Hell: The Future Home of the Wicked 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 Sin: Forgiveness of Sincerity: Forgiveness of Enemies Must be Sincere Sisters