Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
Read it in contextForgiveness from the heart
Start reading at Matthew 18:21 (Matthew 18:21 to Matthew 18:35).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter's question and the unforgiving servant connect the community's conduct to the mercy its members have received.
18:21Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
18:22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
18:23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
18:24And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
18:25But 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.
18:26The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:27Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
18:28But 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.
18:29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
18:30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
18:31So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
18:32Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
18:33Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
18:34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
18:35So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Matthew the apostle and tax collector is the author named by early church tradition. This is the historic attribution, not a personal signature in the Gospel. Biblical references: Matthew 9:9; Matthew 10:3. Historical source: Irenaeus, Against Heresies 3.1.1; Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. traditionally held
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Matthew 18:1–18:35): Jesus addresses His disciples about greatness, care for the little ones, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Peter asks the question that introduces the final parable. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? A Christian readership deeply familiar with Israel's Scriptures, commonly understood as substantially Jewish in background but also concerned with the Gentile mission. A particular congregation or city is not certain. Biblical references: Matthew 1:1; Matthew 5:17; Matthew 28:19. Historical source: Anchor Bible Dictionary, Matthew, Gospel of. book background
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Forgiveness from the heart. Read Matthew 18:21 through Matthew 18:35 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Peter's question and the unforgiving servant connect the community's conduct to the mercy its members have received. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The narrative moves from Jesus' ancestry and birth through His ministry, death, resurrection, and commission. The Gospel does not state a modern calendar date for its composition. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The narrative includes Bethlehem, Egypt, Nazareth, Galilee, journeys, and Jerusalem. A discourse or parable can describe places other than where Jesus is speaking. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Forgiveness from the heart (Matthew 18:21 to Matthew 18:35).
Start reading at Matthew 18:21. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Jesus is the central figure. Matthew identifies Him as Emmanuel, explains His saving mission, and concludes with His authority and commission. Read each teaching with its original listeners and its place in the narrative. See Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Join hearing Jesus' words with doing them. Distinguish instructions to named disciples on a particular mission from a general application, and keep conditions and warnings alongside promises. interpretation
Cited: Matthew 18:21, Matthew 18:35, Matthew 1:21, Matthew 1:23, Matthew 28:18, Matthew 28:19
Who wrote it, and how we know
Matthew (Levi), the apostleFrom early tradition
What Scripture saysThe book does not name its author.
Early traditionEarly church testimony names Matthew the apostle, notably Papias in the early second century and Irenaeus later.
What is debatedThe name is not in the text. The titles were attached early but are not part of the original writing.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Matthew 18
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus answers the question of greatness with humility, warnings against causing offense, and the Father's care for the wandering little one.
Connection to the wholeInstructions for addressing sin describe a process involving the brother and, if necessary, the church rather than private vengeance.
Connection to the wholePeter's question and the unforgiving servant connect the community's conduct to the mercy its members have received.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Matthew
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
This Gospel presents Jesus in relation to Israel's Scriptures and follows His teaching, death, resurrection, and commission. It does not name a specific original recipient. Read individual sayings within their narrative and discourse settings.
Connection to the wholeJesus announces the kingdom, calls disciples, and teaches the righteousness and obedience that characterize His hearers' response.