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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/matthew/18.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Jesus answered, &#8220I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Jesus says to him, "I say to you not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy-seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, &#8220I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Jesus answered him, “I say to you, not up to seven times, but seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />&#8220I tell you, not as many as seven,&#8221 Jesus said to him, &#8220but 70 times seven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Jesus answered: Not just 7 times, but 77 times! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Jesus answered him, "I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"No, not seven times," answered Jesus, "but seventy times seven, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus told him, "I tell you, not just seven times, but 77 times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Jesus answered, ?I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, I tell you, but seventy-seven times! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, "I do not tell you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Jesus saith to him, I say not to thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"I do not say seven times," answered Jesus, "but seventy times seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “I don’t tell you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus says to him, “I do not say to you until seven times, but until seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Jesus says to him, "I say to you not up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Jesus saith to him, 'I do not say to thee till seven times, but till seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Jesus says to him, I say not to thee, till seven times; but till seventy times seven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Jesus saith to him: I say not to thee, till seven times; but till seventy times seven times. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Jesus said to him: “I do not say to you, even seven times, but even seventy times seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Jesus answered, “I say to you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, “Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Jesus said to him, I do not say to you up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />And Yeshua said to him, “I do not say to you until seven times, but until seventy times seven each.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus said to him: I say to you, Not till seven times, but till seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus says to him, I say not unto thee, <FR>Until seven time; but Until seventy times seven.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus saith to him, I tell thee not until seven times, but unto seventy times seven.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus answered, I tell thee not only seven: but seventy times seven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"I do not say seven times," answered Jesus, "but seventy times seven times.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus saith to him, <FR>"I say not to you, 'till seven times,' but till seventy times seven.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />Jesus answereth him, <FR>I tell thee not, to seven times, but to seventy times seven.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/18-22.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=5245" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Unforgiving Servant</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21</span>Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><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/2424.htm" title="2424: Iēsous (N-NMS) -- Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.">Jesus</a> <a href="/greek/3004.htm" title="3004: Legei (V-PIA-3S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">answered,</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/3004.htm" title="3004: legō (V-PIA-1S) -- (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. ">“I tell</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: Ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">not</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.">just</a> <a href="/greek/2034.htm" title="2034: heptakis (Adv) -- Seven times. Adverb from hepta; seven times.">seven times,</a> <a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2193.htm" title="2193: heōs (Prep) -- A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until."></a> <a href="/greek/1441.htm" title="1441: hebdomēkontakis (Adv) -- Seventy times. Multiple adverb from hebdomekonta; seventy times.">seventy-seven times!</a> <a href="/greek/2033.htm" title="2033: hepta (Adj-GNP) -- Seven. A primary number; seven."></a> </span> <span class="reftext">23</span>Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a></span><br />Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-13.htm">Colossians 3:13</a></span><br />Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/11-25.htm">Mark 11:25</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-37.htm">Luke 6:37</a></span><br />Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-17.htm">Romans 12:17-21</a></span><br />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.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17-21</a></span><br />‘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. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/19-11.htm">Proverbs 19:11</a></span><br />A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-12.htm">Proverbs 10:12</a></span><br />Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-10.htm">Psalm 103:10-12</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></span><br />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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Jesus said to him, I say not to you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.</p><p class="hdg">but.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/6-11.htm">Matthew 6:11,12,14,15</a></b></br> Give us this day our daily bread… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a></b></br> Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/micah/7-19.htm">Micah 7:19</a></b></br> He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-6.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/ezra/8-35.htm">Seventy-Seven</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Times</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/19-1.htm">Jesus</a> <a href="/matthew/22-25.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/luke/10-1.htm">Seventy</a> <a href="/genesis/4-24.htm">Seventy-Seven</a> <a href="/matthew/19-29.htm">Times</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">32. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a></span><br></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'; 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The context is a discussion on how many times one should forgive a brother who sins against them. Jesus' response emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, reflecting God's own forgiveness towards humanity. This sets the stage for a teaching moment that challenges the conventional limits of forgiveness.<p><b>I tell you</b><br>This phrase underscores the authority of Jesus' teaching. It is a common introduction in the Gospels when Jesus is about to reveal a significant truth or principle. It indicates that what follows is not merely a suggestion but a command or a divine principle that should be adhered to by His followers.<p><b>not just seven times</b><br>The number seven in Jewish culture often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Peter's suggestion of forgiving seven times might have seemed generous, as the traditional Jewish teaching often emphasized forgiving three times. By saying "not just seven times," Jesus is indicating that the standard of forgiveness is far beyond human expectations or cultural norms.<p><b>but seventy-seven times!</b><br>This phrase can also be translated as "seventy times seven," which would be 490 times. The exact number is less important than the principle it conveys: forgiveness should be limitless. This teaching reflects the boundless grace and mercy of God. It also connects to the Old Testament, where Lamech, a descendant of Cain, boasts of avenging himself "seventy-seven times" (<a href="/genesis/4-24.htm">Genesis 4:24</a>). Jesus reverses this idea, promoting forgiveness instead of vengeance. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and grace, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in the life of a believer.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus.htm">Jesus</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about forgiveness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/peter.htm">Peter</a></b><br>One of Jesus' disciples who initiates the conversation by asking how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a></b><br>The group of followers who are present during this teaching, learning about the principles of forgiveness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_kingdom_of_heaven.htm">The Kingdom of Heaven</a></b><br>The broader context of Jesus' teaching in this chapter, emphasizing the values and principles of God's kingdom.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_offender.htm">The Offender</a></b><br>The hypothetical person who sins against another, prompting the question of forgiveness.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limitlessness_of_forgiveness.htm">The Limitlessness of Forgiveness</a></b><br>Jesus' response to Peter emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited or counted. The number "seventy-seven" symbolizes boundless forgiveness, reflecting God's infinite mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_as_a_reflection_of_god's_character.htm">Forgiveness as a Reflection of God's Character</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror God's forgiving nature. Our willingness to forgive others demonstrates our understanding and acceptance of God's grace in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_forgiveness.htm">The Heart of Forgiveness</a></b><br>True forgiveness is not merely a legalistic act but a heartfelt decision to release resentment and seek reconciliation. It involves a transformation of the heart, aligning with the love and compassion of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_community.htm">Forgiveness and Community</a></b><br>In the context of the church, forgiveness fosters unity and peace. It prevents bitterness and division, promoting a healthy, loving community that reflects the kingdom of God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/practical_forgiveness.htm">Practical Forgiveness</a></b><br>Practically, forgiveness involves prayer, seeking God's help to let go of hurt, and sometimes, taking steps to restore relationships. It is an ongoing process that requires reliance on the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_the_bible_support_withholding_forgiveness.htm">Is withholding forgiveness supported by the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_often_did_jesus_pray_to_avoid_the_cross.htm">How many times did Jesus move away to pray in the gospels where he prayed to avoid the cross? Three (Matthew 26, Mark 14) or one (Luke 22)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_seventy_times_seven.htm">What is seventy times seven?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_forgiveness_greater_than_mistakes.htm">Is forgiveness a higher virtue than making mistakes?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(22) <span class= "bld">Seventy times seven.</span>--The use of the symbolic numbers that indicated completeness was obviously designed to lead the mind of the questioner altogether away from any specially numerical standard as such. As there was no such limit to the forgiveness of God, so there should be none to that of man. The very question as to the latter showed the inquirer had not rightly apprehended the nature and extent of the former.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I say not unto thee.</span> Jesus gives the full weight of his authority to his precept, in distinction from Peter's suggestion and rabbinical glosses. <span class="cmt_word">Seventy times</span> <span class="cmt_word">seven.</span> No specific number, but practically unlimited. There is no measure to forgiveness; it must be practised whenever occasion arises. Some translate, "seventy-seven times," making an allusion to the retribution exacted from Lamech: "If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold" (<a href="/genesis/4-24.htm">Genesis 4:24</a>). Christian forgiveness must be extended as far as old-world vengeance. Mercy rejoices against judgment. But the genius of the language supports the rendering of the Authorized Version. St. Paul has caught the spirit of his Master when he writes, "Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (<a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a>). In the Mosaic dispensation there was some foreshadowing of the doctrine of forgiveness in the enactments which enjoined tender treatment of debtors, and in the terms of the jubilee law; but there were no rules concerning the pardon of personal injuries; the tendency of many prominent injunctions was to encourage retaliation. Herein is seen an important distinction between the Law and the gospel, the institutions antecedent to the death and atonement of Christ, and those subsequent thereto. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-22.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Jesus</span><br /><span class="grk">Ἰησοῦς</span> <span class="translit">(Iēsous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2424.htm">Strong's 2424: </a> </span><span class="str2">Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">answered,</span><br /><span class="grk">Λέγει</span> <span class="translit">(Legei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I tell</span><br /><span class="grk">λέγω</span> <span class="translit">(legō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3004.htm">Strong's 3004: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">you,</span><br /><span class="grk">σοι</span> <span class="translit">(soi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> </span><span class="str2">You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="grk">Οὐ</span> <span class="translit">(Ou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">just</span><br /><span class="grk">ἕως</span> <span class="translit">(heōs)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2193.htm">Strong's 2193: </a> </span><span class="str2">A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven times,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑπτάκις</span> <span class="translit">(heptakis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2034.htm">Strong's 2034: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven times. Adverb from hepta; seven times.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀλλὰ</span> <span class="translit">(alla)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> </span><span class="str2">But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seventy-seven times</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑβδομηκοντάκις</span> <span class="translit">(hebdomēkontakis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1441.htm">Strong's 1441: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seventy times. Multiple adverb from hebdomekonta; seventy times.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">!</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑπτά</span> <span class="translit">(hepta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2033.htm">Strong's 2033: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven. A primary number; seven.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/18-22.htm">Matthew 18:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/18-22.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him I don't tell (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:23" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>