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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/18-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/40_Mat_18_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 18:21 - The Unforgiving Servant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? 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Up to seven times?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then Peter having come, said to Him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?" <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Peter came and said to Him, &#8220Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times? ” <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Then Peter came to Him and said, &#8220Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?&#8221 <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Peter came up to the Lord and asked, "How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?" <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> Then came Peter, and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked him, "Lord, how often do I have to forgive a believer who wrongs me? Seven times?" <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?" <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> Then Peter came up and asked him, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? Seven times?" <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> Then Peter came to him and said, "Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?" <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then Peter came to him and said, "Lord, how often can my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> At this point Peter came to Him with the question, "Master, how often shall my brother act wrongly towards me and I forgive him? seven times?" <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Then Peter having come near to Him, said, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him—until seven times?” <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Then Peter having come, said to Him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?" <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Then Peter having come near to him, said, 'Sir, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him -- till seven times?' <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Then Peter, having come to him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I let him go? Till seven times?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then came Peter unto him and said: Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Then Peter, drawing near to him, said: “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Even seven times?” <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then Peter came up and said to him, My Lord, if my brother is at fault with me, how many times should I forgive him? up to seven times? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Then Kaypha approached him, and he said, “My Lord, “If my brother commits an offense against me, how many times shall I forgive him? Seven times?”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Then Peter came to him, and said: Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Then Peter, coming to Him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then Peter coming to him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Then Peter advancing to him, said, Lord, if my brother injures me, how many injuries must I forgive him? must I forgive him seven? <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> At this point Peter came to Him with the question, "Master, how often shall my brother act wrongly towards me and I forgive him? seven times?" <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Then Peter, coming near, said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? to seven times? <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5234" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Unforgiving Servant</a> 20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” 21<a href="/greek/5119.htm" title="5119: Tote (Adv) -- Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that.">Then</a> <a href="/greek/4074.htm" title="4074: Petros (N-NMS) -- Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle.">Peter</a> <a href="/greek/4334.htm" title="4334: proselthōn (V-APA-NMS) -- From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to.">came</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">to Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipen (V-AIA-3S) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrie (N-VMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">“Lord,</a> <a href="/greek/4212.htm" title="4212: posakis (Adv) -- How often, how many times. Multiplicative from posos; how many times.">how many times</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēsō (V-FIA-1S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">shall I forgive</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autō (PPro-DM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: eme (PPro-A1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ho (Art-NMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/80.htm" title="80: adelphos (N-NMS) -- A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote.">brother</a> <a href="/greek/264.htm" title="264: hamartēsei (V-FIA-3S) -- Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin.">who sins</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">against</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me?</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">Up to</a> <a href="/greek/2034.htm" title="2034: heptakis (Adv) -- Seven times. Adverb from hepta; seven times.">seven times?”</a> 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a> Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a> Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. <a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a> Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. <a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a> And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.” <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a> For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. <a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a> Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. <a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a> Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17</a> ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. <a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a> A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. <a href="/leviticus/19-18.htm">Leviticus 19:18</a> Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. <a href="/psalms/103-10.htm">Psalm 103:10-12</a> He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. / For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. / As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. <a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?till.<a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Matthew 18:15</a> Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.<a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3,4</a> Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Act</a> <a href="/matthew/9-6.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/matthew/12-32.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/matthew/18-2.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Often</a> <a href="/matthew/17-26.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Point</a> <a href="/matthew/16-1.htm">Question</a> <a href="/matthew/16-10.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-9.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">Times</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/26-10.htm">Act</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/matthew/18-35.htm">Forgiveness</a> <a href="/matthew/18-22.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Master</a> <a href="/mark/7-3.htm">Oft</a> <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Often</a> <a href="/matthew/19-27.htm">Peter</a> <a href="/matthew/24-1.htm">Point</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Question</a> <a href="/matthew/18-22.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/matthew/23-32.htm">Sin</a> <a href="/matthew/21-32.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/matthew/20-30.htm">Sir</a> <a href="/matthew/18-22.htm">Times</a> <a href="/matthew/26-10.htm">Towards</a> <a href="/matthew/20-13.htm">Wrong</a> <a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Wrongly</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/matthew/18.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Then Peter came to Jesus This phrase sets the scene for a personal and direct interaction between Peter and Jesus. The Greek word for "came" (προσέρχομαι, proserchomai) implies an approach with intention or purpose. Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, approaches Jesus with a question that reflects a common concern among believers. This moment highlights the relational aspect of discipleship, where followers of Christ are encouraged to seek wisdom directly from their Lord.and asked The act of asking (ἐρωτάω, erōtaō) in this context is not merely a request for information but a deeper inquiry into the nature of forgiveness. It reflects a heart seeking understanding and guidance. In the Jewish tradition, asking questions was a way to engage with the teachings of a rabbi, showing respect and a desire to learn. Peter's question is rooted in a genuine quest for spiritual growth.Lord The term "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios) signifies authority and reverence. Peter acknowledges Jesus not just as a teacher but as the sovereign authority in his life. This title reflects the early Christian understanding of Jesus' divine nature and His role as the ultimate guide in matters of faith and practice.how many times shall I forgive The concept of forgiveness (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi) is central to Christian teaching. In the Jewish tradition, forgiving someone three times was considered sufficient. Peter's question suggests he is aware of this tradition but is open to a more profound understanding. Forgiveness in the biblical sense involves releasing someone from the debt of their wrongdoing, mirroring God's forgiveness of humanity.my brother The term "brother" (ἀδελφός, adelphos) extends beyond biological relationships to include fellow believers and members of the community. This reflects the early Christian emphasis on the spiritual family, where relationships are bound by faith and love. The use of "brother" underscores the importance of maintaining unity and peace within the Christian community.who sins against me? Sin (ἁμαρτάνω, hamartanō) in this context refers to any act that causes harm or offense. The phrase acknowledges the reality of interpersonal conflict and the need for reconciliation. It highlights the human condition of imperfection and the necessity of grace in relationships.Up to seven times? The number seven (ἑπτά, hepta) is significant in biblical numerology, often symbolizing completeness or perfection. Peter's suggestion of forgiving "up to seven times" indicates a willingness to go beyond the traditional expectation. However, it also reveals a human tendency to seek limits on grace. Jesus' response, which follows in the next verse, challenges this notion by emphasizing boundless forgiveness, reflecting God's infinite mercy.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) How oft shall my brother sin . . .?--The words of <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm" title="Moreover if your brother shall trespass against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone: if he shall hear you, you have gained your brother.">Matthew 18:15</a> had obviously told on the minds of the disciples, and had roused them to question with themselves. But they could not, all at once, take in the truth that the "commandment" was "exceeding broad." Surely, they thought, there must be some limit to this way of dealing with the brother who has sinned against us? And the sacred number suggested itself as the natural limit. Not, it may be conjectured, without a half-conscious reference to the words of the prophet (<a href="/amos/1-3.htm" title="Thus said the LORD; For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron:">Amos 1:3</a>), that "for three transgressions and for four" the punishment thereof should not be turned away, the Apostle made answer to his own question, "Until seven times?" as though the line must be drawn there.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 21-35. - The pardon of injuries, and the parable of the unmerciful servant. Verse 21. - Peter was greatly struck with what Christ had just said about reconciliation of enemies; and he wanted to know what limits were to be imposed on his generosity, especially, it might be, if the offender made no reparation for his offence, and acknowledged not his wrong doing. My brother. As ver. 15, fellow disciple, neighbour. Till seven times? Peter doubtless thought that he was unusually liberal and generous in proposing such a measure of forgiveness. Seven is the number of completeness and plurality, and our Lord had used it in giving his sentence about forgiveness: "If he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn to thee again," etc. (<a href="/luke/17-4.htm">Luke 17:4</a>). Some rabbis had fixed this limit from an erroneous interpretation of <a href="/amos/1-3.htm">Amos 1:3</a>; <a href="/amos/2-1.htm">Amos 2:1</a>. "For three transgressions, and for four," etc.; but the usual precept enjoined forgiveness of three offences only, drawing the line here, and having no pity for a fourth offence. Ben-Sira bids a man admonish an offending neighbour twice, but is silent as to any further forgiveness (Ecclus. 19:13-17). The Jews were very fond of defining and limiting moral obligations, as if they could be accurately prescribed by number. Christ demolishes this attempt to define by law the measure of grace. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Then Τότε (Tote) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5119.htm">Strong's 5119: </a> Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. Peter Πέτρος (Petros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4074.htm">Strong's 4074: </a> Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. came προσελθὼν (proselthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4334.htm">Strong's 4334: </a> From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to [Jesus] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] asked, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Lord, Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. how many times ποσάκις (posakis) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_4212.htm">Strong's 4212: </a> How often, how many times. Multiplicative from posos; how many times. shall I forgive ἀφήσω (aphēsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. my ἐμὲ (eme) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. brother ἀδελφός (adelphos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_80.htm">Strong's 80: </a> A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. who sins ἁμαρτήσει (hamartēsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_264.htm">Strong's 264: </a> Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. against εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. me? μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Up to ἕως (heōs) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. seven times?” ἑπτάκις (heptakis) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_2034.htm">Strong's 2034: </a> Seven times. Adverb from hepta; seven times. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to him (Matt. 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