CINXE.COM

<!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 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/6-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/40_Mat_06_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 6:12 - The Lord's Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/matthew/6-12.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/matthew/6-12.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/matthew/">Matthew</a> > <a href="/matthew/6.htm">Chapter 6</a> > Verse 12</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/matthew/6-11.htm" title="Matthew 6:11">◄</a> Matthew 6:12 <a href="/matthew/6-13.htm" title="Matthew 6:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/matthew/6.htm">New International Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/nlt/matthew/6.htm">New Living Translation</a> and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. <a href="/esv/matthew/6.htm">English Standard Version</a> and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/bsb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/kjv/matthew/6.htm">King James Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/6.htm">New King James Version</a> And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/nasb/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8216And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a> ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/lsb/matthew/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/amp/matthew/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a> ‘And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. <a href="/csb/matthew/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/asv/matthew/6.htm">American Standard Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/cev/matthew/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Forgive us for doing wrong, as we forgive others. <a href="/erv/matthew/6.htm">English Revised Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/gwt/matthew/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Forgive us as we forgive others. <a href="/gnt/matthew/6.htm">Good News Translation</a> Forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we forgive the wrongs that others have done to us. <a href="/isv/matthew/6.htm">International Standard Version</a> and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us. <a href="/msb/matthew/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/net/matthew/6.htm">NET Bible</a> and forgive us our debts, as we ourselves have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/nheb/matthew/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/wbt/matthew/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and forgive us our shortcomings, as we also have forgiven those who have failed in their duty towards us; <a href="/web/matthew/6.htm">World English Bible</a> Forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/blb/matthew/6.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. <a href="/ylt/matthew/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And forgive us our debts, as also we forgive our debtors. <a href="/slt/matthew/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And let go to us our debts, as we let go to our debtors.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/nabre/matthew/6.htm">New American Bible</a> and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And forgive us our offences, as we have forgiven our offenders; <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/6.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And forgive us our debts, just as we also forgive our debtors.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/6.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> And forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors. <a href="/godbey/matthew/6.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>and forgive us our debts, as we have also forgiven our debtors:<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/6.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. <a href="/mace/matthew/6.htm">Mace New Testament</a> and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. <a href="/wey/matthew/6.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> and forgive us our shortcomings, as we also have forgiven those who have failed in their duty towards us; <a href="/worrell/matthew/6.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/6.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors;<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/6-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hriiyJYqzvc?start=1317" 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/6.htm">The Lord's Prayer</a> …11Give us this day our daily bread. 12<a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: Kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">And</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphes (V-AMA-2S) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">forgive</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3783.htm" title="3783: opheilēmata (N-ANP) -- A debt, offense, sin. From opheilo; something owed, i.e. a due; morally, a fault.">debts,</a> <a href="/greek/5613.htm" title="5613: Hōs (Adv) -- Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.">as</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmeis (PPro-N1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">also</a> <a href="/greek/863.htm" title="863: aphēkamen (V-AIA-1P) -- From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications.">have forgiven</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tois (Art-DMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmōn (PPro-G1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">our</a> <a href="/greek/3781.htm" title="3781: opheiletais (N-DMP) -- From opheilo; an ower, i.e. Person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor.">debtors.</a> 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’…<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="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</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?” / Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! / Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. ... <a href="/luke/11-4.htm">Luke 11:4</a> And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” <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="/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/2-13.htm">James 2:13</a> For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. <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/12-19.htm">Romans 12:19</a> 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="/2_corinthians/2-10.htm">2 Corinthians 2:10</a> If you forgive anyone, I also forgive him. And if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven it in the presence of Christ for your sake, <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1-2</a> Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. / Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit. <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/1-18.htm">Isaiah 1:18</a> “Come now, let us reason together,” says the LORD. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson, they will become like wool. <a href="/isaiah/43-25.htm">Isaiah 43:25</a> I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. <a href="/micah/7-18.htm">Micah 7:18-19</a> 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.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.forgive.<a href="/exodus/34-7.htm">Exodus 34:7</a> Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation.<a href="/1_kings/8-30.htm">1 Kings 8:30,34,39,50</a> And hearken thou to the supplication of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, when they shall pray toward this place: and hear thou in heaven thy dwelling place: and when thou hearest, forgive… <a href="/psalms/32-1.htm">Psalm 32:1</a> A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.debts.<a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-27,34</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="/luke/7-40.htm">Luke 7:40-48</a> And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on… <a href="/luke/11-4.htm">Luke 11:4</a> And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.as.<a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14,15</a> For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: … <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21,22,28-35</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="/nehemiah/5-12.htm">Nehemiah 5:12,13</a> Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/amos/2-8.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/habakkuk/2-7.htm">Debtors</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-26.htm">Debts</a> <a href="/matthew/3-15.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/joel/1-17.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/amos/7-2.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/ezekiel/16-63.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/zechariah/10-8.htm">Free</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Shortcomings</a> <a href="/zechariah/14-8.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/luke/7-41.htm">Debtors</a> <a href="/luke/7-42.htm">Debts</a> <a href="/matthew/25-27.htm">Duty</a> <a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Failed</a> <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Forgive</a> <a href="/matthew/9-2.htm">Forgiven</a> <a href="/matthew/15-6.htm">Free</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Shortcomings</a> <a href="/matthew/12-49.htm">Towards</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 6</div>1. <a href="/matthew/6-1.htm">Giving to the Needy</a> 5. <a href="/matthew/6-5.htm">The Lord's Prayer</a> 16. <a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Proper Fasting</a> 19. <a href="/matthew/6-19.htm">Store up Treasures in Heaven</a> 25. <a href="/matthew/6-25.htm">Do Not Worry</a> 33. <a href="/matthew/6-33.htm">but seek God's kingdom.</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> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/6.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/matthew/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/matthew/6.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And forgive us our debts This phrase is part of the Lord's Prayer, a model prayer given by Jesus during the Sermon on the Mount. The term "debts" here is understood to mean sins or moral failings, reflecting the Jewish understanding of sin as a debt owed to God. In the cultural context of first-century Judaism, debts were a serious matter, often leading to slavery or imprisonment if unpaid. The request for forgiveness implies a recognition of one's own sinfulness and the need for divine mercy. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of repentance and forgiveness, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/51.htm">Psalm 51 and 1</a> <a href="/john/1-9.htm">John 1:9</a>. The concept of debt as sin is also echoed in the parable of the Unforgiving Servant (<a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Matthew 18:21-35</a>), where Jesus illustrates the importance of forgiving others as God forgives us.as we also have forgiven our debtors This phrase emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness. It suggests that the forgiveness we seek from God is linked to the forgiveness we extend to others. This reflects a key teaching of Jesus: that the grace we receive should be mirrored in our relationships with others. In the cultural context, forgiving debts was a radical idea, as it often meant relinquishing one's right to repayment. This teaching is consistent with other biblical passages, such as <a href="/matthew/5-7.htm">Matthew 5:7</a>, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy," and <a href="/ephesians/4-32.htm">Ephesians 4:32</a>, which calls believers to forgive as God forgave them in Christ. The phrase underscores the transformative power of forgiveness, both received and given, as a hallmark of Christian discipleship.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The speaker of this verse, teaching His disciples how to pray in what is commonly known as the Lord's Prayer. 2. <a href="/topical/d/disciples.htm">Disciples</a> The immediate audience of Jesus' teaching, representing all believers who seek to follow Christ's teachings. 3. <a href="/topical/d/debtors.htm">Debtors</a> Symbolically refers to those who have wronged us or owe us forgiveness, paralleling our own need for forgiveness from God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/u/understanding_debts.htm">Understanding Debts</a> In the original Greek, the word "debts" (opheil?mata) can refer to both financial obligations and moral failings. This dual meaning underscores the comprehensive nature of forgiveness that Jesus teaches. <a href="/topical/r/reciprocal_forgiveness.htm">Reciprocal Forgiveness</a> The phrase "as we also have forgiven our debtors" highlights the expectation that believers will extend the same grace to others that they seek from God. This is a call to live out the forgiveness we receive. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_as_a_reflection_of_god's_character.htm">Forgiveness as a Reflection of God's Character</a> Forgiving others is not just a command but a reflection of God's own nature. As we forgive, we mirror the grace and mercy of God to the world. <a href="/topical/t/the_heart_of_prayer.htm">The Heart of Prayer</a> This verse is part of the Lord's Prayer, emphasizing that forgiveness is central to our relationship with God and others. It is a daily practice that should be part of our prayer life. <a href="/topical/f/forgiveness_and_community.htm">Forgiveness and Community</a> Forgiveness fosters unity and peace within the Christian community. It is essential for maintaining healthy relationships and a strong witness to the world.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 6</a> <a href="/q/who_loved_us_first.htm">Should we forgive those who owe us money?</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_of_1_and_2_clement.htm">Should we avoid owing anything to anyone?</a> <a href="/q/forgive_debtors.htm">Should we forgive those who owe us money?</a> <a href="/q/does_psalm_35_conflict_with_nt_forgiveness.htm">Psalm 35 – Does the Psalm’s tone of retribution conflict with New Testament teachings about forgiveness? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/matthew/6.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(12) Forgive us our debts.--Duty--i.e., that which we owe, or ought to do--and debts are, it may be noted, only different forms of the same word. A duty unfulfilled is a debt unpaid. Primarily, therefore, the words "our debts" represent sins of omission, and "trespasses" the transgression of a law, sins of commission. The distinction, however, though convenient, is more or less technical. Every transgression implies the non-fulfilment of duty in a more aggravated form, and the memory of both presents itself to the awakened conscience under the character of an ever-accumulating debt. Even the sins against our neighbour are, in this sense, debts which we have incurred to God; and as the past cannot be undone, they are debts which we can never pay. For us, therefore, the one helpful prayer is, "Forgive the debt," and the gospel which our Lord proclaimed was, that the Father was ready to forgive. The confession of the debt was enough to ensure its remission, and then there was to come the willing service of a grateful love instead of the vain attempt, which Pharisaism encouraged, to score up an account of good works, as part payment, and therefore as a set-off, reducing the amount of debt. The parables of the Two Debtors (<a href="/luke/7-41.htm" title="There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.">Luke 7:41</a>) and of the Unforgiving Creditor whose own debt had been forgiven (<a href="/context/matthew/18-23.htm" title="Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king, which would take account of his servants.">Matthew 18:23-35</a>) were but expansions of the thought which we find in its germ in this clause of the Lord's Prayer.In striking contrast with that clause is the claim of merit which insinuates itself so readily into the hearts of those who worship without the consciousness that they need forgiveness, and which uttered itself in the daring prayer attributed to Apollonius of Tyana, "Give me that which is my due--pay me, ye gods, the debts ye owe to me."As we forgive our debtors.--The better reading gives, We have forgiven, as a completed act before we begin to pray. In the very act of prayer we are taught to remind ourselves of the conditions of forgiveness. Even here, in the region of the free grace of God, there is a law of retribution. The temper that does not forgive cannot be forgiven, because it is ipso facto a proof that we do not realise the amount of the debt we owe. We forget the ten thousand talents as we exact the hundred pence, and in the act of exacting we bring back that burden of the greater debt upon ourselves.Up to this point, in the petitions of the Lord's Prayer, we may think of the Man Christ Jesus as having not only taught the Prayer, but Himself used it. During the years of youth and manhood it may well have been thus far the embodiment of the outpourings of His soul in communion with His Father. Even the prayer, "Give us this day our daily bread," whether we take it in its higher or its lower meaning, would be the fit utterance of His sense of dependence as the Son of Man. Can we think the same of the prayer, "Forgive us our debts?" It is, of course, opposed to the whole teaching of Scripture to believe that there dwelt on His human spirit the memory of a single transgression. In the fullest sense of the word He was without sin, the Just One, needing no repentance. And yet the analogy of those of His saints and servants who have followed most closely in the footsteps of His holiness may lead us to think it possible that even these words also may have had a meaning in which He could use them. In proportion as men attain holiness and cease to transgress, they gain a clearer perception of the infinite holiness of God, and seek to be made partakers of it. They would fain pray and praise and work for Him evermore, but though the spirit is willing, the flesh is weak. They are weary and faint, and they become more intensely conscious of the limits of their human powers as contrasted with the limitless range of their desires. In this sense, therefore, and strictly in reference to the limitations of the true, yet absolutely sinless, humanity which He vouchsafed to assume, it is just conceivable that He too Himself may have used this prayer. And we must remember also that He prayed as the Brother of mankind, as the representative of the race. The intensity of His sympathy with sinners, which was the condition of His atoning work (<a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm" title="For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.">Hebrews 4:15</a>), would make Him, though He knew no sin, to identify Himself with sinners. He would feel as if their transgressions were His transgressions, their debts His debts.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/6.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 12. - And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Forgive; a change in God's relation to us and our sins. No plea is urged, for the atonement had not yet been made. Our debts (τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν) parallel passage in Luke, τὰς ἁμαρτίας ἡμῶν). It is probable that Matthew took one meaning, perhaps the more primary, and Luke another, perhaps the more secondary (cf. Gesenius, Thes,' s.v. הוב, and Professor Marshall, Expositor, IV. 3:281), of the original Aramaic word (חובא); but, as "debtors" comes in the next clause, it seems reasonable to suppose that Matthew represents the sense in which our Lord intended the word to be understood. Luke may have avoided it as too strongly Hebraic a metaphor, even though he does use ὀφειλέται of men in relation to God (<a href="/luke/13-4.htm">Luke 13:4</a>). The 'Didache,' 8, gives the singular, ὀφειλήν (cf. infra, <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Matthew 18:32</a>), which Dr. Taylor ('Lectures,' p. 62) thinks is preferable. The singular, especially with "debtors" following, would very naturally be corrupted to the plural. Sins are termed "debts," as not rendering to God his due (<a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a>; cf. 25:27). As we; Revised Version, as we also (ὡς καὶ ἡμεῖς). In the same way as we have - a comparison of fact, not of proportion (cf. <a href="/matthew/8-13.htm">Matthew 8:13</a>; <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Matthew 18:33</a>). (For the thought, cf. Ecclus. 28:2.) Luke's "for we ourselves also" (καὶ γὰρ αὐτοί) lays more stress on our forgiving others being a reason for God forgiving us. Forgive; Revised Version, have forgiven, in the past (aorist). Luke's present is of the habit. Our debtors. Luke individualizes (παντὶ ὀφείλοντι ἡμῖν <a href="/commentaries/matthew/6-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>And Καὶ (Kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. forgive ἄφες (aphes) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. us ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. debts, ὀφειλήματα (opheilēmata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3783.htm">Strong's 3783: </a> A debt, offense, sin. From opheilo; something owed, i.e. a due; morally, a fault. as Ὡς (Hōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_5613.htm">Strong's 5613: </a> Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner. we ἡμεῖς (hēmeis) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. also καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. have forgiven ἀφήκαμεν (aphēkamen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_863.htm">Strong's 863: </a> From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. our ἡμῶν (hēmōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. debtors. ὀφειλέταις (opheiletais) Noun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3781.htm">Strong's 3781: </a> From opheilo; an ower, i.e. Person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 6:12 Forgive us our debts as we also (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/6-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 6:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/6-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 6:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 6:13" /></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>