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Matthew 18:25 Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.
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id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And of him having nothing to pay, the master commanded him to be sold, and the wife and children, and everything that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But since he did not have <i>the means</i> to repay, his master commanded that he be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />“But since he did not have the means to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But since he did not have <i>the means</i> to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But since he did not have <i>the means</i> to repay, his lord commanded him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all that he had, and repayment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But because he could not repay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and his children and everything that he possessed, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since he did not have the money to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But he didn't have any money to pay what he owed. The king ordered him to be sold, along with his wife and children and all he owned, in order to pay the debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Because he could not pay off the debt, the master ordered him, his wife, his children, and all that he had to be sold to pay off the account.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The servant did not have enough to pay his debt, so the king ordered him to be sold as a slave, with his wife and his children and all that he had, in order to pay the debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Because he couldn't pay, his master ordered him, his wife, his children, and everything that he owned to be sold so that payment could be made. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Since the man was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay his debt, along with his wife and children and everything he owned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Because he was not able to repay it, the lord ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, children, and whatever he possessed, and repayment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But because he could not pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But as he had not ability to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and was unable to pay. So his master ordered that he and his wife and children and everything that he had should be sold, and payment be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But because he couldn’t pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, with his wife, his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and he having nothing to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and the children, and all, whatever he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />And of him having nothing to pay, the master commanded him to be sold, and the wife and children, and everything that he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and he having nothing to pay, his lord did command him to be sold, and his wife, and the children, and all, whatever he had, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And he not having to give back, his lord ordered him to be sold, and his wife and his children, and all which he had also to be given back.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And as he had not wherewith to pay it, his lord commanded that he should be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But since he did not have any way to repay it, his lord ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children, and all that he had, in order to repay it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And as he could not pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, together with his wife and children, and all that he had, so that he could pay.<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 when he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded that he would be sold, and his wife and his children, and everything that he had, and he would pay.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But as he was not able to pay, his lord commanded him, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, to be sold, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>And he not having wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all things so many as he had, and payment to be made.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />but not having wherewithal to pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, and his wife and his children, and all things whatsoever he possessed, and payment to be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but being insolvent, his lord gave orders that he, with his wife, and children, and all that he had, should be sold for payment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />and was unable to pay. So his master ordered that he and his wife and children and everything that he had should be sold, and payment be made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>but, as he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded that he be sold, and his wife, and his children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br /><FR>and not having <Fr><i>it</i><FR> to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife and children and all that he had; and payment to be made.<Fr><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/matthew/18-25.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=5264" 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">24</span>As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents. <span class="reftext">25</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">Since</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the man</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">was unable</a> <a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: apodounai (V-ANA) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">to pay,</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.">the</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/2753.htm" title="2753: ekeleusen (V-AIA-3S) -- To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; hail; to incite by word, i.e. Order.">ordered that</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.">he</a> <a href="/greek/4097.htm" title="4097: prathēnai (V-ANP) -- A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.">be sold</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/591.htm" title="591: apodothēnai (V-ANP) -- From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.">to pay his debt,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">along with</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- 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/1135.htm" title="1135: gynaika (N-AFS) -- A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.">wife</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</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/5043.htm" title="5043: tekna (N-ANP) -- A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.">children</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: panta (Adj-ANP) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">everything</a> <a href="/greek/3745.htm" title="3745: hosa (RelPro-ANP) -- How much, how great, how many, as great as, as much. By reduplication from hos; as As."></a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">he owned.</a> </span> <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.’…<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="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></span><br />Now the wife of one of the sons of the prophets cried out to Elisha, “Your servant, my husband, is dead, and you know that your servant feared the LORD. And now his creditor is coming to take my two children as his slaves!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5</a></span><br />We and our children are just like our countrymen and their children, yet we are subjecting our sons and daughters to slavery. Some of our daughters are already enslaved, but we are powerless to redeem them because our fields and vineyards belong to others.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39-41</a></span><br />If a countryman among you becomes destitute and sells himself to you, then you must not force him into slave labor. / Let him stay with you as a hired worker or temporary resident; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. / Then he and his children are to be released, and he may return to his clan and to the property of his fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/21-2.htm">Exodus 21:2-7</a></span><br />If you buy a Hebrew servant, he is to serve you for six years. But in the seventh year, he shall go free without paying anything. / If he arrived alone, he is to leave alone; if he arrived with a wife, she is to leave with him. / If his master gives him a wife and she bears him sons or daughters, the woman and her children shall belong to her master, and only the man shall go free. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/15-12.htm">Deuteronomy 15:12</a></span><br />If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you must set him free.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/2-6.htm">Amos 2:6</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “For three transgressions of Israel, even four, I will not revoke My judgment, because they sell the righteous for silver and the needy for a pair of sandals.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Isaiah 50:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Where is your mother’s certificate of divorce with which I sent her away? Or to which of My creditors did I sell you? Look, you were sold for your iniquities, and for your transgressions your mother was sent away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-14.htm">Jeremiah 34:14</a></span><br />Every seventh year, each of you must free his Hebrew brother who has sold himself to you. He may serve you six years, but then you must let him go free. But your fathers did not listen or incline their ear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/4-7.htm">2 Kings 4:7</a></span><br />She went and told the man of God, and he said, “Go, sell the oil, and pay your debt. Then you and your sons can live on the remainder.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/22-7.htm">Proverbs 22:7</a></span><br />The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/7-41.htm">Luke 7:41-42</a></span><br />“Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. / When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-25.htm">Matthew 5:25-26</a></span><br />Reconcile quickly with your adversary, while you are still on the way to court. Otherwise, he may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. / Truly I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the last penny.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-58.htm">Luke 12:58-59</a></span><br />Make every effort to reconcile with your adversary while you are on your way to the magistrate. Otherwise, he may drag you off to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into prison. / I tell you, you will not get out until you have paid the very last penny.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-8.htm">Romans 13:8</a></span><br />Be indebted to no one, except to one another in love. For he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philemon/1-18.htm">Philemon 1:18-19</a></span><br />But if he has wronged you in any way or owes you anything, charge it to my account. / I, Paul, write this with my own hand. I will repay it—not to mention that you owe me your very self.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But for as much as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.</p><p class="hdg">commanded.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39</a></b></br> And if thy brother <i>that dwelleth</i> by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a></b></br> Now there cried a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets unto Elisha, saying, Thy servant my husband is dead; and thou knowest that thy servant did fear the LORD: and the creditor is come to take unto him my two sons to be bondmen.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-5.htm">Nehemiah 5:5,8</a></b></br> Yet now our flesh <i>is</i> as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and <i>some</i> of our daughters are brought unto bondage <i>already</i>: neither <i>is it</i> in our power <i>to redeem them</i>; for other men have our lands and vineyards… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/daniel/1-4.htm">Ability</a> <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/18-3.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/17-9.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/17-9.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/matthew/17-19.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/micah/1-8.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/amos/5-11.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/13-38.htm">Means</a> <a href="/matthew/17-27.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/14-19.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/matthew/17-18.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/matthew/17-24.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/matthew/16-27.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/joel/3-7.htm">Repayment</a> <a href="/matthew/13-46.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/matthew/15-5.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/matthew/14-3.htm">Wife</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/25-15.htm">Ability</a> <a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Able</a> <a href="/matthew/19-13.htm">Children</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Command</a> <a href="/matthew/21-6.htm">Commanded</a> <a href="/matthew/26-40.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/luke/1-5.htm">Daughters</a> <a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">Debt</a> <a href="/luke/1-1.htm">Forasmuch</a> <a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/23-16.htm">Means</a> <a href="/matthew/19-21.htm">Money</a> <a href="/matthew/21-6.htm">Ordered</a> <a href="/matthew/19-7.htm">Orders</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Payment</a> <a href="/matthew/18-26.htm">Repay</a> <a href="/luke/6-34.htm">Repayment</a> <a href="/matthew/21-12.htm">Sold</a> <a href="/mark/2-4.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/matthew/20-4.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/mark/3-28.htm">Wherewith</a> <a href="/matthew/19-3.htm">Wife</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'; </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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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/18.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/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Since the man was unable to pay</b><br>This phrase highlights the man's financial incapacity, reflecting the spiritual reality of humanity's inability to repay the debt of sin. In biblical times, debt was a serious issue, often leading to slavery or imprisonment. The inability to pay symbolizes the human condition of sinfulness and the need for divine intervention, as seen in <a href="/romans/3-23.htm">Romans 3:23</a>, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."<p><b>the master ordered that he be sold</b><br>In ancient Jewish and Roman cultures, selling a debtor into slavery was a common practice to recover losses. This reflects the severity of the consequences of sin and the justice of God. The master represents God, who is just and righteous, yet also merciful. This action underscores the seriousness of sin and the need for redemption, as seen in the sacrificial system of the Old Testament.<p><b>to pay his debt</b><br>Debt in this context is a metaphor for sin. The concept of sin as a debt is prevalent throughout Scripture, notably in the Lord's Prayer (<a href="/matthew/6-12.htm">Matthew 6:12</a>), where Jesus teaches to pray for the forgiveness of debts. This reflects the idea that sin incurs a moral and spiritual obligation that must be addressed.<p><b>along with his wife and children</b><br>The inclusion of the man's family in the punishment reflects the communal nature of life in biblical times, where the actions of one family member could affect the entire household. This also illustrates the far-reaching consequences of sin, affecting not just the individual but those around them, as seen in the story of Achan in <a href="/joshua/7.htm">Joshua 7</a>.<p><b>and everything he owned</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the totality of the man's loss, symbolizing the complete forfeiture of one's life and possessions due to sin. It reflects the biblical principle that sin leads to death and loss, as stated in <a href="/romans/6-23.htm">Romans 6:23</a>, "For the wages of sin is death." The comprehensive nature of the punishment underscores the need for a savior who can redeem and restore what is lost.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Represents God in the parable, illustrating His authority and the divine justice and mercy He extends to humanity.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant.htm">The Servant</a></b><br>Symbolizes humanity, particularly those who are indebted to God due to sin and are in need of His mercy.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_debt.htm">The Debt</a></b><br>Represents the insurmountable sin debt that humanity owes to God, highlighting the need for divine forgiveness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_servant's_family.htm">The Servant's Family</a></b><br>Mentioned as being at risk of being sold into slavery, representing the broader consequences of sin and debt.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_event_of_debt_collection.htm">The Event of Debt Collection</a></b><br>Illustrates the seriousness of sin and the impending judgment without divine intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_debt.htm">Understanding Our Debt</a></b><br>Recognize the magnitude of our sin and the impossibility of repaying it on our own.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_mercy_and_justice.htm">God's Mercy and Justice</a></b><br>Appreciate the balance of God's mercy in forgiving our debts and His justice in addressing sin.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_forgive.htm">The Call to Forgive</a></b><br>Embrace the call to forgive others as we have been forgiven, reflecting God's character in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_unforgiveness.htm">Consequences of Unforgiveness</a></b><br>Understand the spiritual and relational consequences of withholding forgiveness from others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/living_in_gratitude.htm">Living in Gratitude</a></b><br>Cultivate a heart of gratitude for God's forgiveness, leading to a life of worship and service.<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_distinguishes_judaism_from_islam.htm">Is forgiveness withheld if we don't forgive others?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_loved_us_first.htm">Should we forgive those who owe us money?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_exodus_21_7-11_align_with_child_value.htm">Exodus 21:7-11 mentions selling one's daughter; how does this align with other biblical teachings on the value and protection of children?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_truth_according_to_the_bible.htm">What does the Bible teach about money?</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>(25) <span class= "bld">His lord commanded him to be sold.</span>--The framework of the parable was necessarily drawn from human laws, and, except as indicating the sentence of condemnation passed upon the sinner himself, there is no occasion of pressing the details as we unfold the spiritual meaning that lies below the imagery.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 25.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He had not to pay.</span> He was absolutely bankrupt, and had no means whatever of meeting the deficit. <span class="cmt_word">To be</span> <span class="cmt_word">sold.</span> The Jewish Law ordered such process in the case of an impecunious debtor (see <a href="/exodus/22-3.htm">Exodus 22:3</a>; <a href="/leviticus/25-39.htm">Leviticus 25:39, 41</a>; and the concrete case in <a href="/2_kings/4-1.htm">2 Kings 4:1</a>; comp. also <a href="/isaiah/50-1.htm">Isaiah 50:1</a>; <a href="/psalms/44-12.htm">Psalm 44:12</a>). But this law was mitigated by the enactment of the jubilee, which in the course of time restored the bondman to liberty. The instance in the parable appertains rather to Oriental depotism than to the proceedings under Mosaic legislation (see ver. 34, which is not in accordance with Jewish practice). The king, by this severity, may have desired to make the defaulter feel the weight of his debt, and to bring him to repentance, as we see that he was ready to accept the submission of the debtor, and to grant him forgiveness (St. Chrysostom). <span class="cmt_word">Payment to be made.</span> The verb is put impersonally. Of course, the sale of himself, wife, family, possessions, would not produce enough to satisfy the debt; but the command is to the effect that the proceeds should be taken on account of the debt. The parable; must not be pressed in all its details; a false impression is often produced by fixing spiritual or allegorical meaning upon the unimportant accessories, which, in fact, merely give vividness to the offered picture. The sale of wife and children is of this character, though it may be said generally and experimentally that a man's sins react on his family in some sort, lowering position and reputation, and reducing to poverty etc.; but this result has no bearing on the lessening of the original debt. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-25.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">Since</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the man]</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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">was unable</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχοντος</span> <span class="translit">(echontos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pay,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποδοῦναι</span> <span class="translit">(apodounai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</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">ordered that</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐκέλευσεν</span> <span class="translit">(ekeleusen)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2753.htm">Strong's 2753: </a> </span><span class="str2">To command, order, direct, bid. From a primary kello; 'hail'; to incite by word, i.e. Order.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he</span><br /><span class="grk">αὐτὸν</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 /><br /><span class="word">be sold</span><br /><span class="grk">πραθῆναι</span> <span class="translit">(prathēnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4097.htm">Strong's 4097: </a> </span><span class="str2">A reduplicated and prolonged form of prao; contracted from perao; to traffic, i.e. Dispose of as merchandise or into slavery.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pay [his] debt,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀποδοθῆναι</span> <span class="translit">(apodothēnai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_591.htm">Strong's 591: </a> </span><span class="str2">From apo and didomi; to give away, i.e. Up, over, back, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">along with</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">[his]</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine 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">wife</span><br /><span class="grk">γυναῖκα</span> <span class="translit">(gynaika)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1135.htm">Strong's 1135: </a> </span><span class="str2">A woman, wife, my lady. Probably from the base of ginomai; a woman; specially, a wife.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">children</span><br /><span class="grk">τέκνα</span> <span class="translit">(tekna)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5043.htm">Strong's 5043: </a> </span><span class="str2">A child, descendent, inhabitant. From the base of timoria; a child.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">everything</span><br /><span class="grk">πάντα</span> <span class="translit">(panta)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> </span><span class="str2">All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he owned.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἔχει</span> <span class="translit">(echei)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> </span><span class="str2">To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/matthew/18-25.htm">Matthew 18:25 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/matthew/18-25.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:25 But because he couldn't pay his lord (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-24.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:24"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:24" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-26.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:26"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:26" /></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>