Matthew 18:22

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

Jesus {G2424} saith {G3004} unto him {G846}, I say {G3004} not {G3756} unto thee {G4671}, Until {G2193} seven times {G2034}: but {G235}, Until {G2193} seventy times {G1441} seven {G2033}.

"No, not seven times," answered Yeshua, "but seventy times seven!

Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!

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

Commentary

In Matthew 18:22, Jesus delivers a profound teaching on the nature of forgiveness, directly responding to a question from Peter. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian ethics regarding reconciliation and mercy.

Context

This verse is part of Jesus' broader discourse on humility, discipline, and forgiveness within the community of believers, often referred to as the "Discourse on the Church." Peter, seeking clarity, asks Jesus in Matthew 18:21, "Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" At the time, rabbinic tradition sometimes suggested forgiving three times. Peter's proposal of "seven times" was already a generous extension, demonstrating a willingness to go beyond the customary.

Key Themes

  • Boundless Forgiveness: Jesus' answer, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven," shatters any notion of a limit to forgiveness. It's not a literal mathematical calculation (490 times), but an idiom signifying infinite, uncalculating, and continuous forgiveness. It challenges believers to adopt a heart attitude that does not keep a tally of offenses.
  • Divine Standard: This teaching sets a standard for human forgiveness that mirrors God's own boundless mercy and patience towards humanity. Just as God continuously forgives our sins when we repent, so too should His followers be willing to forgive others.
  • Reversal of Vengeance: Some scholars see a deliberate contrast with Lamech's vengeful boast in Genesis 4:24, where Lamech declares vengeance "seventy and sevenfold." Jesus transforms this ancient declaration of multiplied vengeance into a command for multiplied mercy, emphasizing a new covenant of grace.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "seventy times seven" in the KJV comes from the Greek hebdomēkontákis heptá (ἑβδομηκοντάκις ἑπτά). While it can be arithmetically interpreted as 70 x 7 = 490, it can also be understood as "seventy-seven times" (as in some modern translations). Regardless of the precise calculation, the intent is clear: the number represents an immeasurable quantity, highlighting that forgiveness should be limitless and not based on a ledger of offenses.

Practical Application

Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:22 calls believers to a radical commitment to forgiveness. This isn't merely about pardoning an offense once, but cultivating a spirit that is always ready to forgive, regardless of how often someone offends. This readiness to forgive is crucial for maintaining peace within relationships, fostering spiritual growth, and reflecting the character of Christ. The importance of this teaching is further underscored by the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant that immediately follows (Matthew 18:23-35), which illustrates the dire consequences of withholding the forgiveness we ourselves have received from God. As Jesus teaches elsewhere, our forgiveness from God is often tied to our willingness to forgive others (Matthew 6:14-15).

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

Cross-References

  • 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.

  • Mark 11:25

    And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

  • Ephesians 4:31

    Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

  • Ephesians 5:1

    ¶ Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children;

  • 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.

  • Genesis 4:24

    If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.
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