Matthew 18:21

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G5119} came {G4334} Peter {G4074} to him {G846}, and said {G2036}, Lord {G2962}, how oft {G4212} shall my {G3450} brother {G80} sin {G264} against {G1519} me {G1691}, and {G2532} I forgive {G863} him {G846}? till {G2193} seven times {G2034}?

Complete Jewish Bible

Then Kefa came up and said to him, "Rabbi, how often can my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? As many as seven times?"

Berean Standard Bible

Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:21 captures a pivotal moment when Peter, seeking clarity on the boundaries of forgiveness, approaches Jesus with a question that reflects a common human tendency to quantify grace. His inquiry, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?", sets the stage for Jesus' radical teaching on limitless mercy and reconciliation, challenging conventional wisdom and preparing the disciples for a deeper understanding of divine forgiveness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Jesus' "Discourse on Community Life" in Matthew 18. Immediately preceding Peter's question, Jesus has just outlined the process for addressing a sinning brother, emphasizing private confrontation, then involving witnesses, and finally, if necessary, bringing the matter before the church ([Matthew 18:15-17](/matthew/18-15-17 "Matthew 18:15-17 - Dealing with a Sinning Brother")). The discourse also includes teachings on humility ([Matthew 18:1-4](/matthew/18-1-4 "Matthew 18:1-4 - Humility Like a Child")), the dangers of causing others to stumble ([Matthew 18:5-9](/matthew/18-5-9 "Matthew 18:5-9 - Warnings Against Causing Others to Stumble")), and the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([Matthew 18:10-14](/matthew/18-10-14 "Matthew 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), all of which underscore God's value for each individual and His desire for restoration. Peter's question naturally arises from the practical challenges of ongoing sin within a community striving for such ideals, directly leading into Jesus' profound Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ([Matthew 18:23-35](/matthew/18-23-35 "Matthew 18:23-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant")), which serves as the powerful illustration of His answer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In first-century Judaism, the concept of forgiveness was often framed within specific limits. Rabbinic tradition, drawing from texts like Amos 1:3, commonly suggested that one should forgive an offense up to three times. Beyond that, a person was not obligated to extend forgiveness. Peter, in asking "till seven times?", likely believed he was proposing an exceptionally generous and even radical extension of this traditional boundary. His "seven times" was a significant increase over the customary three, reflecting a desire to go above and beyond, yet still within a quantifiable limit. This cultural backdrop highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' subsequent teaching, which completely transcends such numerical limitations, moving the concept of forgiveness from a legalistic calculation to a boundless act of grace. The setting for this discourse was likely Capernaum or a nearby area in Galilee, where Jesus frequently taught His disciples on matters of kingdom ethics.
* **Key Themes:** Peter's question in [Matthew 18:21](/matthew/18-21 "Matthew 18:21 - Peter's Question on Forgiveness") contributes to several overarching themes in Matthew's Gospel and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **Nature of Forgiveness**, contrasting human attempts to quantify and limit it with God's boundless mercy. Peter's "seven times" reveals a natural human inclination to set boundaries on grace, which Jesus will dramatically challenge in the very next verse ([Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Jesus' Answer: Seventy Times Seven")). Secondly, the question underscores **Relational Responsibility** within the community of believers. The phrase "my brother sin against me" emphasizes the personal impact of sin and the necessity of reconciliation for maintaining healthy, Christ-like relationships. This aligns with the broader emphasis in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Community Life and Forgiveness") on the importance of unity and restoration among God's people. Finally, Peter's inquiry sets the stage for Jesus' teaching on **Grace Over Law**, moving beyond mere adherence to rules or numerical quotas towards a spirit of radical, unmerited favor that mirrors the character of God Himself, as demonstrated in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ([Matthew 18:23-35](/matthew/18-23-35 "Matthew 18:23-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sin (Greek, _hamartánō'_):** This verb means "to miss the mark," "to err," or "to fail to hit the target." In a moral and spiritual sense, it signifies a deviation from God's perfect standard or will. Peter's use of this word indicates a clear transgression or offense committed by one brother against another, highlighting the real and painful impact of such actions within the community. The repeated nature implied by "how oft" underscores the persistent challenge of living in relationship with imperfect people.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This crucial verb literally means "to send forth," "to let go," "to release," or "to dismiss." In the context of offenses, it implies a complete release from debt, obligation, or penalty. When applied to sin, as it often is in the New Testament, it signifies the cancellation of a debt, the removal of a burden, or the setting free of one who is bound. Peter's question concerns the act of actively releasing the offender from the burden of their wrong, rather than merely overlooking or ignoring it.
* **seven times (Greek, _heptákis'_):** This adverb simply means "seven times." Peter's choice of this number is significant because it doubles the traditional rabbinic teaching of forgiving three times and adds one, indicating what he likely considered to be an exceptionally generous and even exhaustive measure of forgiveness. This specific, quantifiable number serves as a stark contrast to Jesus' subsequent answer, which will dismantle the very idea of numerical limits on forgiveness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then came Peter to him, and said":** This opening phrase establishes the immediate interaction between Peter and Jesus, indicating a direct, personal inquiry. Peter, often serving as the spokesperson for the disciples, steps forward to address a practical concern that likely resonated with all of them regarding interpersonal relationships within their nascent community. The "Then" connects this question directly to Jesus' preceding teaching on reconciliation and church discipline in [Matthew 18:15-20](/matthew/18-15-20 "Matthew 18:15-20 - Restoring a Sinning Brother").
* **"Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?":** Peter addresses Jesus with respect ("Lord"), acknowledging His authority as a teacher. His question reveals a struggle common to human nature: how many times does one have to endure an offense and still extend grace? The phrase "my brother" emphasizes the context of community and familial relationships within the body of believers, making the issue deeply personal and relevant to daily interactions. Peter's inquiry seeks a quantifiable limit to the act of forgiveness.
* **"till seven times?":** This concluding phrase is Peter's proposed answer, framed as a question seeking confirmation. By suggesting "seven times," Peter likely felt he was being exceptionally generous, surpassing the common rabbinic standard of forgiving three times. This reveals his assumption that forgiveness, while important, must have a finite boundary, beyond which one is no longer obligated to extend grace. It sets up a dramatic contrast with Jesus' response, which will radically redefine the scope of forgiveness.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:21 effectively employs several literary devices. The primary device is **Interrogative Question**, as Peter directly poses a query to Jesus. This serves to engage the reader and set the stage for Jesus' subsequent teaching, inviting reflection on the very human tendency to seek limits on grace. Peter's suggestion of "seven times" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole** from his perspective, as he is proposing a number far exceeding the common cultural expectation, believing it to be an extreme act of generosity. This hyperbole, however, is immediately undercut by Jesus' even greater, truly hyperbolic response in the following verse, highlighting the vast difference between human and divine standards. Furthermore, the verse functions as a powerful **Anticipation**, building suspense and preparing the audience for Jesus' profound and counter-cultural teaching on limitless forgiveness, which will be further elaborated through the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in [Matthew 18:23-35](/matthew/18-23-35 "Matthew 18:23-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant").

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Peter's question in Matthew 18:21, though seemingly simple, delves into the profound theological tension between human inclination to limit grace and God's boundless mercy. It highlights the human struggle to reconcile the ideal of forgiveness with the reality of repeated offense. The underlying theological principle that Jesus will unveil is that our forgiveness of others should mirror the limitless forgiveness we have received from God. This is not merely a moral imperative but a theological reflection of God's character, who does not keep a tally of our sins but extends grace "seventy times seven"—an idiom for infinite forgiveness. This teaching moves beyond a transactional understanding of forgiveness to a transformative one, rooted in the overflowing grace of the Kingdom of God.

* [Proverbs 24:29](/proverbs/24-29 "Proverbs 24:29 - Do Not Seek Revenge")
* [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - Forgive Your Brother Repeatedly")
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bear With and Forgive One Another")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Peter's question in Matthew 18:21 resonates deeply with the human experience of navigating relationships. We, like Peter, often seek a quantifiable limit to our patience and grace, especially when faced with repeated offenses from those closest to us. This verse challenges us to examine our own hearts: Do we keep a ledger of wrongs? Do we believe there's a point where we are "justified" in withholding forgiveness? Jesus' response, initiated by Peter's question, calls us to a radical reorientation of our understanding of forgiveness, moving from a transactional model based on merit or quantity to a transformative one rooted in the boundless mercy we have received from God. It encourages a spirit of humility, patience, and persistent love, reminding us that our capacity to forgive others is a direct reflection of our own experience of God's limitless forgiveness, prompting us to extend grace not because the other person deserves it, but because we ourselves are recipients of unmerited favor.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life do I tend to set limits on forgiveness, and what motivates those limits?**
* **How does my understanding of God's forgiveness of me impact my willingness to forgive others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is more ready to forgive, even when it feels difficult or undeserved?**
* **How might a commitment to limitless forgiveness transform my most challenging relationships?**

### FAQ
**What was the common understanding of forgiveness in Peter's time, and how did his question relate to it?**

Answer: In Peter's time, it was common for Jewish teachers to suggest forgiving an offense up to three times, often referencing the prophet Amos, who listed three transgressions before judgment ([Amos 1:3](/amos/1-3 "Amos 1:3 - God's Judgment on Damascus")). Peter's question, "till seven times?", was likely an attempt to show exceptional generosity, going beyond the traditional rabbinic teaching. He probably thought he was proposing a very high, even radical, standard of forgiveness. His question highlights the human inclination to quantify and set boundaries on grace, which Jesus' subsequent teaching would dismantle entirely.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:21, with Peter's question about the limits of forgiveness, finds its ultimate fulfillment and radical redefinition in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Peter's attempt to quantify forgiveness ("till seven times?") is shattered by Jesus' response in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Jesus' Command to Forgive Limitlessly"), which points to an infinite, unquantifiable forgiveness ("seventy times seven"). This boundless forgiveness is not merely a moral ideal but is profoundly rooted in Christ's atoning sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus demonstrated the ultimate act of forgiveness, crying out, "[Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for Forgiveness on the Cross")" even as He suffered for the sins of humanity. His death paid the infinite debt of our sin, releasing us from its bondage and offering a forgiveness that is truly without limit. Therefore, our call to forgive others, as articulated by Paul in [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bear With and Forgive One Another") to "forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you," is not a burdensome command but an overflow of the grace we have received through Christ. He is the embodiment of infinite forgiveness, empowering believers to extend the same boundless mercy to others, reflecting the very heart of God revealed in the New Covenant.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Luke 17:3

Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

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.

Matthew 18:15

¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.