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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Matthew 18:31 When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/matthew/18-31.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/40_Mat_18_31.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Matthew 18:31 - The Unforgiving Servant" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master." /><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/18-31.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/18-31.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/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 31</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="/ad11.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/18-30.htm" title="Matthew 18:30">◄</a> Matthew 18:31 <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm" title="Matthew 18:32">►</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/18.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/18.htm">New International Version</a> When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. <a href="/nlt/matthew/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. <a href="/esv/matthew/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. <a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore his fellow servants having seen the things having taken place, were deeply grieved, and having gone, narrated to their master everything having taken place. <a href="/kjv/matthew/18.htm">King James Bible</a> So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. <a href="/nkjv/matthew/18.htm">New King James Version</a> So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. <a href="/nasb_/matthew/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their master all that had happened. <a href="/nasb/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. <a href="/nasb77/matthew/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “So when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. <a href="/lsb/matthew/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So, when his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and came and reported to their lord all that had happened. <a href="/amp/matthew/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were deeply grieved and they went and reported to their master [with clarity and in detail] everything that had taken place. <a href="/csb/matthew/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When the other servants saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. <a href="/hcsb/matthew/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. <a href="/asv/matthew/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. <a href="/cev/matthew/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When some other officials found out what had happened, they felt sorry for the man who had been put in jail. Then they told the king what had happened. <a href="/erv/matthew/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. <a href="/gwt/matthew/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "The other servants who worked with him saw what had happened and felt very sad. They told their master the whole story. <a href="/gnt/matthew/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> When the other servants saw what had happened, they were very upset and went to the king and told him everything. <a href="/isv/matthew/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> "When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were very disturbed and went and reported to their master everything that had occurred. <a href="/msb/matthew/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and recounted all of this to their master. <a href="/net/matthew/18.htm">NET Bible</a> When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were very upset and went and told their lord everything that had taken place. <a href="/nheb/matthew/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. <a href="/wbt/matthew/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> His fellow servants, therefore, seeing what had happened, were exceedingly angry; and they came and told their master without reserve all that had happened. <a href="/web/matthew/18.htm">World English Bible</a> So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were exceedingly sorry, and came and told their lord all that was done. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/matthew/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And his fellow-servants having seen the things that were done, were grieved exceedingly, and having come, showed fully to their lord all the things that were done; <a href="/blb/matthew/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore his fellow servants having seen the things having taken place, were deeply grieved, and having gone, narrated to their master everything having taken place. <a href="/ylt/matthew/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> 'And his fellow-servants having seen the things that were done, were grieved exceedingly, and having come, shewed fully to their lord all the things that were done; <a href="/slt/matthew/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And his fellow-servants having seen the thing done, were greatly grieved, and having come, made known to their lord all things done.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/matthew/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came and told their lord all that was done. <a href="/cpdv/matthew/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now his fellow servants, seeing what was done, were greatly saddened, and they went and reported to their lord all that was done. <a href="/nabre/matthew/18.htm">New American Bible</a> Now when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were deeply disturbed, and went to their master and reported the whole affair. <a href="/nrsvce/matthew/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/matthew/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> When their fellow-servants saw what had happened, they were very sorry, and they came and informed their master of everything that had happened. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/matthew/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But when their associates saw all what happened, it was very grievous to them, and they came and revealed to their lord everything that had happened.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/matthew/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> When his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sad, and went and made known to their lord all that was done. <a href="/godbey/matthew/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> <FR>Then his fellow-servants seeing those things which had taken place, were grieved exceedingly, and coming related to their lord all the things which transpired.<Fr> <a href="/haweis/matthew/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Then his fellow-servants, when they saw what was done, were exceedingly sorry, and came to their lord, and gave him an explicit account of all things that had passed. <a href="/mace/matthew/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> his fellow-servants upon seeing this were very much concern'd, and went to acquaint their master with what had pass'd. <a href="/wey/matthew/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> His fellow servants, therefore, seeing what had happened, were exceedingly angry; and they came and told their master without reserve all that had happened. <a href="/worrell/matthew/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> <FR>Therefore, his fellow-servants, seeing what was done, were exceedingly grieved; and, going, they made known to their lord all that was done.<Fr> <a href="/worsley/matthew/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> <FR>Now when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very much grieved, and came and acquainted their lord with all that had passed.<Fr> <a href="/parallel/matthew/18-31.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=5317" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/matthew/18.htm">The Unforgiving Servant</a> …30But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt. 31<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">When</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.">his</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hoi (Art-NMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4889.htm" title="4889: syndouloi (N-NMP) -- From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master.">fellow servants</a> <a href="/greek/3708.htm" title="3708: Idontes (V-APA-NMP) -- Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.">saw</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.">what</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomena (V-APM-ANP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">had happened,</a> <a href="/greek/4970.htm" title="4970: sphodra (Adv) -- Exceedingly, greatly, very much. Neuter plural of sphodros as adverb; vehemently, i.e. In a high degree, much."></a> <a href="/greek/3076.htm" title="3076: elypēthēsan (V-AIP-3P) -- To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad.">they were greatly distressed,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2064.htm" title="2064: elthontes (V-APA-NMP) -- To come, go. ">they went</a> <a href="/greek/1285.htm" title="1285: diesaphēsan (V-AIA-3P) -- To make clear, explain fully. From dia and saphes; to clear thoroughly, i.e. declare.">and recounted</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.">all</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/1096.htm" title="1096: genomena (V-APM-ANP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">of this</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tō (Art-DMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">to</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautōn (RefPro-GM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">their</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: kyriō (N-DMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">master.</a> 32Then the master summoned him and declared, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave all your debt because you begged me.…<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/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a> For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. <a href="/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="/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="/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="/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="/luke/17-3.htm">Luke 17:3-4</a> Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20</a> If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. <a href="/proverbs/21-13.htm">Proverbs 21:13</a> Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer. <a href="/genesis/50-17.htm">Genesis 50:17</a> ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. <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="/isaiah/55-7.htm">Isaiah 55:7</a> Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. <a href="/daniel/9-9.htm">Daniel 9:9</a> To the Lord our God belong compassion and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against Him</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done.they.<a href="/psalms/119-136.htm">Psalm 119:136,158</a> Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law… <a href="/jeremiah/9-1.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a> Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!<a href="/mark/3-5.htm">Mark 3:5</a> And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.and came.<a href="/genesis/37-2.htm">Genesis 37:2</a> These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.<a href="/luke/14-21.htm">Luke 14:21</a> So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.<a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Hebrews 13:17</a> Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/matthew/16-3.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/matthew/18-29.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Fellow-Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Fellowservants</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Fellow-Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/matthew/18-27.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/14-12.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/jeremiah/50-20.htm">Reserve</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/matthew/18-28.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/matthew/17-23.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/matthew/18-16.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Angry</a> <a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/26-22.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/matthew/26-37.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/matthew/19-25.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/matthew/18-33.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Fellow-Bondmen</a> <a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Fellowservants</a> <a href="/matthew/24-49.htm">Fellow-Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/18-34.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">Master</a> <a href="/matthew/28-11.htm">Reported</a> <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Reserve</a> <a href="/matthew/19-22.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/matthew/21-34.htm">Slaves</a> <a href="/matthew/21-29.htm">Sorry</a> <a href="/matthew/19-11.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Matthew 18</div>1. <a href="/matthew/18-1.htm">Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,</a> 7. <a href="/matthew/18-7.htm">to avoid offenses,</a> 10. <a href="/matthew/18-10.htm">and not to despise the little ones;</a> 15. <a href="/matthew/18-15.htm">teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us,</a> 21. <a href="/matthew/18-21.htm">and how often to forgive them;</a> 23. <a href="/matthew/18-23.htm">which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants,</a> 32. <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm">and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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/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>When his fellow servants saw what had happened This phrase highlights the communal nature of the servant's environment, emphasizing accountability within a community. In biblical times, servants often worked closely together, forming tight-knit groups. The fellow servants' observation suggests a shared moral compass and a collective sense of justice. This reflects the broader biblical principle of communal responsibility, as seen in passages like <a href="/galatians/6.htm">Galatians 6:1-2</a>, where believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens.they were greatly distressed The emotional response of the fellow servants indicates a deep sense of injustice and moral outrage. This distress can be compared to the reaction of the Israelites when they witnessed wrongdoing among their people, as seen in <a href="/nehemiah/5-6.htm">Nehemiah 5:6-7</a>. The distress also underscores the expectation of mercy and forgiveness within the community, aligning with the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness, such as in <a href="/matthew/6-14.htm">Matthew 6:14-15</a>.and they went and recounted all of this to their master The action of reporting to the master demonstrates the hierarchical structure of authority in ancient times, where servants were accountable to their master. This reflects the biblical theme of divine justice, where God is the ultimate judge and authority, as seen in <a href="/romans/14-12.htm">Romans 14:12</a>. The act of recounting the events to the master also parallels the concept of prayer and confession in Christianity, where believers bring their concerns and grievances before God, trusting in His righteous judgment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/f/fellow_servants.htm">Fellow Servants</a> These are the other servants who witness the actions of the unforgiving servant. They represent the community of believers who observe the behavior of others within the body of Christ. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_unforgiving_servant.htm">The Unforgiving Servant</a> Although not directly mentioned in this verse, he is central to the parable. He was forgiven a great debt by his master but refused to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_master.htm">The Master</a> The master represents God, who is just and merciful. He initially forgives the servant's enormous debt but later holds him accountable for his lack of mercy. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_event.htm">The Event</a> The event is the reporting of the unforgiving servant's actions to the master, which leads to the master’s judgment. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_parable_of_the_unforgiving_servant.htm">The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant</a> This parable, told by Jesus, illustrates the importance of forgiveness and the consequences of failing to forgive others as we have been forgiven.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_community_accountability.htm">The Importance of Community Accountability</a> The fellow servants' distress and action highlight the role of community in holding each other accountable to live according to God's standards. <a href="/topical/t/the_seriousness_of_unforgiveness.htm">The Seriousness of Unforgiveness</a> The parable underscores the gravity of unforgiveness and its potential to disrupt our relationship with God. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_forgiveness.htm">Reflecting God's Forgiveness</a> As recipients of God's immense mercy, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others, reflecting God's character in our lives. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses_in_the_church.htm">The Role of Witnesses in the Church</a> The fellow servants' response illustrates the importance of addressing sin within the church community, seeking resolution and justice. <a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_our_actions.htm">The Consequences of Our Actions</a> The parable serves as a warning that our actions, especially regarding forgiveness, have spiritual consequences.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_matthew_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Matthew 18</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_angels.htm">What does the Bible say about angels?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_peter's_experiences_shape_him.htm">How did Peter's life experiences shape his character?</a> <a href="/q/why_omit_jesus_healing_the_ear_in_john.htm">John 18:10 - Why does this Gospel describe Peter cutting off the servant's ear yet omit any mention of Jesus healing him, which appears in another Gospel account (Luke 22:51)?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_permit_slavery_in_the_bible.htm">Why did God allow slavery in the Bible?</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>(31) They were very sorry.--The fellow-servants are, of course, in the inner meaning of the parable, those who are members of the same spiritual society. Our Lord appeals as by anticipation to the judgment which Christians in general, perhaps even to that which mankind at large, would pass upon such conduct. It is suggestive that He describes them, not as being angry or indignant (though such feelings would have been natural enough), but as "exceeding sorry." Sorrow, rather than anger, is the mood of the true disciple of Christ as he witnesses the sins against love which are the scandals of the Christian society. Anger, the righteous wrath against evil, belongs rather, as in <a href="/matthew/18-32.htm" title="Then his lord, after that he had called him, said to him, O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you desired me:">Matthew 18:32</a>, to the Lord and Judge.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/matthew/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 31. - Fellow servants. Those in the same condition of life as the incarcerated debtor. Mystically, they would be the angels, who, like those in the parable of the tares, tell the Lord what was done; or the saints who plead with God against oppression and injustice. They were very sorry. It is well remarked that anger against sin is God's attribute (ver. 34), sorrow appertains to men. These have a fellow feeling for the sinner, in that they are conscious that in their own heart there are germs of evil which, unchecked, may develop into similar wickedness. Told (διεσάφησαν); told clearly. They took the part of their comrade, and, not in revenge or malice, but as an act of justice, gave their lord full information of what had happened. The just cannot hold their peace at the sight of oppression and wrong, and God confirms their judgment. <a href="/commentaries/matthew/18-31.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[When] οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. his αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. fellow servants σύνδουλοι (syndouloi) Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4889.htm">Strong's 4889: </a> From sun and doulos; a co-slave, i.e. Servitor or ministrant of the same master. saw Ἰδόντες (Idontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3708.htm">Strong's 3708: </a> Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear. what τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. had happened, γενόμενα (genomena) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. they were greatly distressed, ἐλυπήθησαν (elypēthēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3076.htm">Strong's 3076: </a> To pain, grieve, vex. From lupe; to distress; reflexively or passively, to be sad. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. they went ἐλθόντες (elthontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2064.htm">Strong's 2064: </a> To come, go. [and] recounted διεσάφησαν (diesaphēsan) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> To make clear, explain fully. From dia and saphes; to clear thoroughly, i.e. declare. all πάντα (panta) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. [of this] γενόμενα (genomena) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. to τῷ (tō) Article - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. their ἑαυτῶν (heautōn) Reflexive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. master. κυρίῳ (kyriō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/matthew/18-31.htm">Matthew 18:31 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/matthew/18-31.htm">NT Gospels: Matthew 18:31 So when his fellow servants saw what (Matt. Mat Mt) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/matthew/18-30.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Matthew 18:30"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:30" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/matthew/18-32.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Matthew 18:32"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Matthew 18:32" /></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>