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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 />The servant&#8217s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the master of that servant having been moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And the master of that slave felt compassion, and he released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And the lord of that slave felt compassion and released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />And feeling compassion, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />And his master’s heart was moved with compassion and he released him and forgave him [canceling] the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the master of that servant had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The king felt sorry for him and let him go free. He even told the official that he did not have to pay back the money. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"The master felt sorry for his servant, freed him, and canceled his debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The king felt sorry for him, so he forgave him the debt and let him go. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The master of that servant had compassion and released him, canceling his debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />His master had compassion on him, forgave his debt, and released him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The lord had compassion on that slave and released him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Whereupon his master, touched with compassion, set him free and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the lord of that servant having been moved with compassion released him, and the debt he forgave him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And the master of that servant having been moved with compassion, released him and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the lord of that servant having been moved with compassion did release him, and the debt he forgave him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the lord of that servant, having felt compassion, loosed him, and let go to him the money lent.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go and forgave him the debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then the lord of that servant, being moved with pity, released him, and he forgave his debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Moved with compassion the master of that servant let him go and forgave him the loan.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the master of that servant had pity, so he released him, and cancelled his debt.<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 the lord of that servant was moved with pity, and he released him, forgiving his debt.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />And the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and let him go, and for gave him the debt.<CM><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>The lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, sent him away, and forgave him the debt.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />Then his lord, moved with compassion towards that servant, discharged him, and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />upon which the lord of that vassal, touch'd with compassion, gave him his liberty, and discharged him of the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />"Whereupon his master, touched with compassion, set him free and forgave him the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And, moved with compassion, the lord of that servant released him, and forgave him the debt.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and his lord had compassion on him, and discharged him, and forgave him the debt.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/18-27.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=5284" 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">26</span>Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ <span class="reftext">27</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></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.">His</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyrios (N-NMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">master</a> <a href="/greek/1565.htm" title="1565: ekeinou (DPro-GMS) -- That, that one there, yonder. From ekei; that one (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulou (N-GMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave."></a> <a href="/greek/4697.htm" title="4697: Splanchnistheis (V-APP-NMS) -- To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved. ">had compassion on him,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēken (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">forgave</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.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1156.htm" title="1156: daneion (N-ANS) -- A loan, debt. From danos; probably akin to the base of didomi; a loan.">debt,</a> <a href="/greek/630.htm" title="630: apelysen (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.">and released</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: auton (PPro-AM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">him.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">28</span>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!’…<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/7-42.htm">Luke 7:42-43</a></span><br />When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?” / “I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12</a></span><br />And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.<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="/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="/james/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a></span><br />For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-8.htm">Psalm 103:8-12</a></span><br />The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. / He will not always accuse us, nor harbor His anger forever. / He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a></span><br />Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.<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.<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="/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="/romans/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19-21</a></span><br />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.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/2-7.htm">2 Corinthians 2:7-10</a></span><br />So instead, you ought to forgive and comfort him, so that he will not be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. / Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. / My purpose in writing you was to see if you would stand the test and be obedient in everything. ...<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="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Nehemiah 9:17</a></span><br />They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.</p><p class="hdg">moved.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/judges/10-16.htm">Judges 10:16</a></b></br> And they put away the strange gods from among them, and served the LORD: and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Nehemiah 9:17</a></b></br> And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou <i>art</i> a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/78-38.htm">Psalm 78:38</a></b></br> But he, <i>being</i> full of compassion, forgave <i>their</i> iniquity, and destroyed <i>them</i> not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/10-24.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/isaiah/28-18.htm">Canceled</a> <a href="/matthew/15-32.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/matthew/14-30.htm">Felt</a> <a href="/psalms/99-8.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Free</a> <a href="/daniel/5-6.htm">Loosed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/17-20.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/matthew/17-15.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/18-18.htm">Released</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/isaiah/45-4.htm">Servant's</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/matthew/17-7.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/matthew/14-7.htm">Whereupon</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Bondman</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Canceled</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Compassion</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/matthew/27-3.htm">Felt</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Forgave</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Free</a> <a href="/matthew/21-2.htm">Loosed</a> <a href="/matthew/18-31.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Pity</a> <a href="/matthew/27-15.htm">Release</a> <a href="/matthew/27-26.htm">Released</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/luke/12-46.htm">Servant's</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Slave</a> <a href="/matthew/20-34.htm">Touched</a> <a href="/mark/8-32.htm">Whereupon</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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In the context of this parable, the master represents God, who is moved by the plight of the servant. Compassion is a recurring theme in Scripture, seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/103-13.htm">Psalm 103:13</a>, where God is described as a compassionate father. This compassion is not merely an emotional response but leads to action, as seen in the subsequent forgiveness of the debt. The cultural context of the time emphasized a hierarchical relationship between masters and servants, making the master's compassion even more striking and countercultural.<p><b>forgave his debt</b><br>Forgiveness of debt in the ancient world was a significant act, often involving a legal or formal declaration. In Jewish law, the Year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25) was a time when debts were forgiven, reflecting God's desire for restoration and freedom. Theologically, this phrase points to the forgiveness of sins, a central tenet of Christian faith, where God forgives the insurmountable debt of sin through Jesus Christ. This act of forgiveness is a type of the ultimate forgiveness offered through Christ's sacrifice, as seen in <a href="/colossians/2-13.htm">Colossians 2:13-14</a>, where the record of debt is canceled.<p><b>and released him</b><br>The release of the servant signifies liberation and freedom, echoing the biblical theme of redemption. In the historical context, a debtor could be imprisoned or enslaved until the debt was paid, so release was a profound act of grace. This release parallels the spiritual freedom believers receive through Christ, as described in <a href="/galatians/5.htm">Galatians 5:1</a>, where Paul speaks of freedom from the yoke of slavery. The release also prefigures the eschatological hope of ultimate liberation from sin and death, as promised in <a href="/revelation/21-4.htm">Revelation 21:4</a>, where God will wipe away every tear and free humanity from the consequences of sin.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a></b><br>Represents God in the parable, demonstrating divine mercy and forgiveness.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant.htm">The Servant</a></b><br>Symbolizes humanity, burdened by an unpayable debt of sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_debt.htm">The Debt</a></b><br>Represents the weight and consequence of sin that humanity cannot repay on its own.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/forgiveness.htm">Forgiveness</a></b><br>The act of the master releasing the servant from his debt, illustrating God's grace.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/compassion.htm">Compassion</a></b><br>The emotional response of the master, highlighting the depth of God's love and mercy.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_divine_compassion.htm">Understanding Divine Compassion</a></b><br>Recognize that God's compassion is the foundation of His forgiveness. Just as the master was moved with compassion, God is moved by love for us.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_forgiveness.htm">The Nature of Forgiveness</a></b><br>Forgiveness is a release from debt. In our spiritual lives, it means God has released us from the penalty of sin through Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/imitating_god's_forgiveness.htm">Imitating God's Forgiveness</a></b><br>As recipients of God's grace, we are called to forgive others. This is not just a suggestion but a command that reflects our understanding of God's mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_weight_of_sin.htm">The Weight of Sin</a></b><br>Acknowledge the seriousness of sin and our inability to repay it on our own. This understanding should lead us to humility and gratitude for God's grace.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_freedom.htm">Living in Freedom</a></b><br>Embrace the freedom that comes from being forgiven. This freedom should transform our relationships and interactions with others, leading us to live out the gospel.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_letting_go.htm">What does the Bible say about letting go?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_judas_die.htm">How did Judas die? (Matthew 27:5 vs. Acts 1:18)</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_matthew_27_5_and_acts_1_18_align.htm">Matthew 27:5 describes Judas hanging himself, yet Acts 1:18 gives a different account; how can these two explanations be reconciled?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_bought_potter's_field.htm">Who bought the Potter's Field? (Matthew 27:7 vs. Acts 1:18)</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>(27) <span class= "bld">Was moved with compassion.</span>--The teaching of the parable deals tenderly even with that impotent effort at justification. It touches the heart of the "lord of that servant," and is met with more than it asked for--not with patience and long-suffering only, but with the pity that forgives freely. The sinner is absolved, and the vast debt which he could never pay is forgiven freely. So far as he believes his Lord's assurance, he is now "justified by faith."<p><span class= "bld">Forgave him the debt.</span>--The Greek noun in this case expresses a debt contracted through a loan, and in the interpretation of the parable suggests a thought like that in the parables of the Pounds, the Talents, and the Unjust Steward. What we call our own--life, with all its opportunities--is really lent to us, and God requires repayment with interest.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 27.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Was moved with</span> <span class="cmt_word">compassion.</span> The earthly circumstance has its counterpart in God's dealings with sinners. Humility, confession, prayer, are accepted by him as payment of the debt. <span class="cmt_word">Loosed him</span> from arrest, from being sold as a slave. This was the first favour accorded. The second was even greater. <span class="cmt_word">Forgave him the debt.</span> The servant had asked only for time; he receives acquittance of the enormous sum which he owed. The king's severity had brought home to the debtor his full guilt did its consequences; when he realizes these, and throws himself on his lord's mercy, he receives more than he had asked or hoped for. But (to revert to the spiritual interpretation) the pardoned sinner must not forget the past; he must live as one forgiven. Says the penitent psalmist, "I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me" (<a href="/psalms/51-3.htm">Psalm 51:3</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-27.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">[His]</span><br /><span class="grk">ὁ</span> <span class="translit">(ho)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">master</span><br /><span class="grk">κύριος</span> <span class="translit">(kyrios)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had compassion [on him],</span><br /><span class="grk">Σπλαγχνισθεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(Splanchnistheis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4697.htm">Strong's 4697: </a> </span><span class="str2">To feel compassion, have pity on, be moved. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">forgave</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀφῆκεν</span> <span class="translit">(aphēken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτῷ</span> <span class="translit">(autō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">debt,</span><br /><span class="grk">δάνειον</span> <span class="translit">(daneion)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1156.htm">Strong's 1156: </a> </span><span class="str2">A loan, debt. From danos; probably akin to the base of didomi; a loan.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[and] released</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀπέλυσεν</span> <span class="translit">(apelysen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_630.htm">Strong's 630: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and luo; to free fully, i.e. relieve, release, dismiss, or let die, pardon or divorce.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">him.</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτόν</span> <span class="translit">(auton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/18-27.htm">Matthew 18:27 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:27 The lord of that servant being moved (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-26.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:26"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:26" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-28.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:28"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:28" /></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>