Luke 17:4

And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

And {G2532} if {G1437} he trespass {G264} against {G1519} thee {G4571} seven times {G2034} in a day {G2250}, and {G2532} seven times {G2034} in a day {G2250} turn again {G1994} to {G1909} thee {G4571}, saying {G3004}, I repent {G3340}; thou shalt forgive {G863} him {G846}.

Also, if seven times in one day he sins against you, and seven times he comes to you and says, โ€˜I repent,โ€™ you are to forgive him.โ€

Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, โ€˜I repent,โ€™ you must forgive him.โ€

And if he sin against thee seven times in the day, and seven times turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

Commentary

Luke 17:4 presents a powerful and challenging teaching from Jesus Christ concerning the nature and extent of forgiveness among believers. This verse underscores the radical standard of grace that God calls His followers to embody, particularly in interpersonal relationships.

Context of Forgiveness

This instruction on forgiveness immediately follows Jesus' warning about causing others to stumble (Luke 17:1-2) and His directive in Luke 17:3 to rebuke a brother who sins and to forgive if they repent. The disciples likely found this concept difficult, as human nature often inclines towards holding grudges or limiting forgiveness. Jesus' answer here expands on the necessary attitude of a forgiving heart, setting a divine precedent that transcends typical human boundaries.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Unlimited Forgiveness: The phrase "seven times in a day" does not imply a literal limit, but rather signifies an indefinite, boundless number. In Jewish tradition, seven often represented completeness or perfection. Jesus uses it here to emphasize that forgiveness should be extended as often as true repentance occurs. This echoes the concept of forgiving "seventy times seven" in Matthew 18:22, illustrating that the Christian's capacity for forgiveness must mirror God's own patience.
  • The Role of Repentance: Crucially, Jesus links forgiveness to genuine repentance. The offender must "turn again to thee, saying, I repent." The Greek word for "repent" is metanoeล (ฮผฮตฯ„ฮฑฮฝฮฟฮญฯ‰), which implies a change of mind, a turning away from sin, and a change of direction in one's life. This is not merely a verbal apology, but a demonstration of a changed heart. Forgiveness is extended when the offending party genuinely acknowledges their wrongdoing and desires to make amends.
  • Divine Standard for Disciples: This teaching sets a high standard for Christian living. It challenges believers to move beyond a transactional approach to relationships and embrace a posture of mercy and grace, reflecting the character of God Himself. Just as God is abundant in forgiveness for those who truly repent (Psalm 103:3), so too should His followers be.

Practical Application

Luke 17:4 calls believers to cultivate a spirit of radical forgiveness. It reminds us that our forgiveness of others is not contingent on their worthiness, but on their repentance and our obedience to Christ's command. This principle is foundational to healthy Christian community and personal spiritual growth. It encourages us to be quick to forgive, letting go of bitterness and resentment, which can hinder our own relationship with God and others. This posture of continuous forgiveness is vital for living out the Lord's Prayer, where we ask God to forgive us as we forgive others.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 18:21

    ยถ Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

  • Matthew 18:22

    Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

  • Colossians 3:12

    ยถ Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  • Colossians 3:13

    Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

  • Romans 12:20

    Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head.

  • Matthew 6:14

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

  • Matthew 6:15

    But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.