Matthew 18:22

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Matthew 18:22, Jesus delivers a radical and transformative teaching on the nature of forgiveness, directly responding to Peter's question about the limits of mercy. This verse serves as a cornerstone for Christian ethics, challenging believers to cultivate a spirit of boundless, uncalculating forgiveness that mirrors God's own infinite grace, rather than adhering to any numerical or conditional boundaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' "Discourse on the Church" (Matthew 18), a profound section addressing the internal dynamics and responsibilities of the community of believers. The discourse begins with teachings on humility and the value of children ([Matthew 18:1-5](/matthew/18-1-5 "Matthew 18:1-5 - Humility and Children")), moves to warnings against causing others to stumble ([Matthew 18:6-9](/matthew/18-6-9 "Matthew 18:6-9 - Warnings Against Causing to Stumble")), and includes the Parable of the Lost Sheep ([Matthew 18:10-14](/matthew/18-10-14 "Matthew 18:10-14 - The Parable of the Lost Sheep")) emphasizing God's desire for the salvation of every individual. Immediately preceding our verse, Jesus outlines a process for church discipline and reconciliation ([Matthew 18:15-20](/matthew/18-15-20 "Matthew 18:15-20 - Church Discipline and Reconciliation")). It is in this context of communal life and maintaining healthy relationships that Peter interjects with his question in [Matthew 18:21](/matthew/18-21 "Matthew 18:21 - Peter's Question on Forgiveness"), "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Jesus' response in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - The Call to Unlimited Forgiveness") then sets the stage for the powerful Parable of the Unforgiving Servant ([Matthew 18:23-35](/matthew/18-23-35 "Matthew 18:23-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant")), which vividly illustrates the consequences of failing to apply this teaching.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish tradition, there was a prevailing understanding of forgiveness that often involved a limited number of times. Some rabbinic schools, based on interpretations of passages like [Amos 1:3-2:6](/amos/1-3-2-6 "Amos 1:3-2:6 - Prophecies Against Nations"), suggested that God forgave Israel for three transgressions, but not for the fourth. This led to the common rabbinic teaching that a person should forgive an offender three times. Peter's suggestion of "seven times" in [Matthew 18:21](/matthew/18-21 "Matthew 18:21 - Peter's Inquiry on Forgiveness") was, therefore, already a remarkably generous and radical extension of the customary practice, indicating a willingness to go above and beyond the expected standard. He likely believed he was demonstrating exceptional piety and mercy. Jesus' reply, however, shatters this numerical framework entirely, moving the concept of forgiveness from a calculable transaction to an immeasurable, qualitative posture of the heart.

* **Key Themes:** The central theme in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Jesus' Teaching on Forgiveness") is **Boundless Forgiveness**. Jesus' answer, "I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven," is 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, thereby dismantling any notion of a limit to mercy. This teaching also establishes a **Divine Standard** for human forgiveness, mirroring God's own boundless mercy and patience towards humanity, as seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Psalm 103:8-12](/psalms/103-8-12 "Psalm 103:8-12 - God's Compassion and Forgiveness")). Furthermore, scholars often note a profound **Reversal of Vengeance** in Jesus' words. The phrase "seventy times seven" or "seventy-seven times" echoes Lamech's boast of multiplied vengeance in [Genesis 4:24](/genesis/4-24 "Genesis 4:24 - Lamech's Vengeful Boast"), where he declares vengeance "seventy and sevenfold." Jesus deliberately transforms this ancient declaration of multiplied retribution into a command for multiplied mercy, emphasizing the radical new covenant of grace and love that characterizes His Kingdom.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **saith/say (Greek, _légō'_):** This primary verb means "to lay forth," or figuratively, "to relate in words." It often implies a systematic or set discourse, distinguishing it from casual speech. In this context, Jesus' use of `légō` indicates that His response to Peter is not a casual remark but a deliberate, authoritative teaching, a foundational principle for His disciples.
* **Until (Greek, _héōs'_):** This word functions as a conjunction, preposition, and adverb of continuance, indicating a boundary in time or place. Peter uses it to propose a limit ("Until seven times"), implying that forgiveness could cease at that point. Jesus' re-use of `héōs` in His answer ("but, Until seventy times seven") highlights the radical shift: He is not merely extending the boundary but transforming the very concept of a limit, implying a perpetuity of forgiveness.
* **seventy times (Greek, _hebdomēkontákis'_):** This multiple adverb, derived from the number seventy, signifies "seventy times." Combined with "seven" (G2033, _heptá_), it forms the phrase "seventy times seven." While arithmetically it yields 490, its primary function here is not mathematical precision but to convey an immeasurable, boundless quantity. It serves as a hyperbolic expression for "always" or "without limit," emphasizing that the act of forgiving should be continuous and unceasing, far beyond any human calculation or expectation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Jesus saith unto him,"**: This opening clause establishes the direct interaction between Jesus and Peter, highlighting the personal nature of the question and the authoritative nature of Jesus' response. It situates the teaching within a specific dialogue rather than a general sermon.
* **"I say not unto thee, Until seven times:"**: Jesus directly refutes Peter's proposed limit. Peter's "seven times" was already generous by contemporary standards, but Jesus immediately dismisses it, indicating that even a seemingly high number is insufficient for the standard of forgiveness He is setting. This negation sets up the radical alternative that follows.
* **"but, Until seventy times seven."**: This is the core of Jesus' teaching. The phrase, whether interpreted as 70 x 7 = 490 or 70 + 7 = 77, is a Semitic idiom for an indefinite, extremely large number, signifying "always" or "without limit." It is a hyperbolic expression designed to communicate that forgiveness should be limitless, continuous, and not subject to a ledger or a numerical cap. It calls for a fundamental shift in the disciple's approach to reconciliation.

#### Literary Devices
Jesus' response in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - The Extent of Forgiveness") employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where "seventy times seven" is an intentional exaggeration not meant to be taken literally as a precise number (490), but rather to convey the concept of infinite, unceasing forgiveness. This numerical expression also functions as an **Idiom**, a phrase whose meaning cannot be deduced from the literal meanings of its words, here signifying "always" or "an innumerable amount." Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between Peter's limited, albeit generous, proposal of "seven times" and Jesus' boundless command. This contrast underscores the radical nature of Kingdom ethics compared to human or even traditional religious standards. Some scholars also identify an **Allusion** to [Genesis 4:24](/genesis/4-24 "Genesis 4:24 - Lamech's Vengeance"), where Lamech boasts of vengeance "seventy and sevenfold." By using a similar numerical structure, Jesus transforms a declaration of multiplied vengeance into a command for multiplied mercy, creating a profound theological reversal.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The teaching in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - The Depth of Christian Forgiveness") is profoundly theological, revealing the very character of God and the nature of His Kingdom. It underscores that Christian forgiveness is not merely a social courtesy but a divine imperative, rooted in God's own boundless mercy towards humanity. Just as God's grace is inexhaustible and His patience enduring, so too should the forgiveness extended by His followers be. This limitless forgiveness is essential for the health and unity of the church community, preventing bitterness, fostering reconciliation, and reflecting the divine love that binds believers together. It challenges the human tendency to keep score of offenses, instead calling for a heart posture of continuous release and restoration, recognizing that all believers are recipients of immense divine forgiveness.

* [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - Forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer")
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bearing with One Another and Forgiving")
* [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiving a Repentant Brother")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Jesus' command to forgive "seventy times seven" in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Practical Forgiveness") calls believers to a radical and counter-cultural commitment to mercy. This is not a simplistic instruction to ignore repeated harm, but a profound invitation to cultivate a heart that is always ready to release the offender from the debt of their sin, even when the offense is repeated. It implies a willingness to extend grace, even when it feels undeserved, recognizing that our own forgiveness from God is infinitely greater than any offense committed against us. This posture of boundless forgiveness is crucial for maintaining peace within our relationships, fostering spiritual growth, and authentically reflecting the character of Christ to a broken world. It frees us from the burden of bitterness and resentment, allowing us to participate in the healing and reconciliation that God desires for all humanity.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does "seventy times seven" truly mean for my daily interactions and relationships?**
* **In what areas of my life am I tempted to place limits on forgiveness, and why?**
* **How does remembering God's boundless forgiveness toward me empower me to forgive others?**
* **What practical steps can I take to cultivate a heart that is always ready to forgive, even when it's difficult?**

### FAQ

**Does "seventy times seven" mean exactly 490 times, or is it symbolic?**

Answer: The phrase "seventy times seven" (or "seventy-seven times" in some translations) is a Semitic idiom, a form of **hyperbole**, meaning an immeasurable or indefinite number. It is not meant to be taken as a literal, mathematical calculation of 490 times. Instead, it conveys the idea of continuous, boundless, and limitless forgiveness. Jesus is emphasizing that forgiveness should never cease or be limited by a tally, but should be a constant posture of the heart, reflecting God's own infinite mercy. This is reinforced by the [Parable of the Unforgiving Servant](/matthew/18-23-35 "The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant") that immediately follows this teaching in [Matthew 18](/matthew/18 "Matthew 18 - Discourse on the Church").

**Does this teaching imply that I must forgive someone who repeatedly hurts me without them repenting?**

Answer: While [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Forgiveness and Repentance") emphasizes a boundless spirit of forgiveness, other passages in Scripture provide important nuance regarding the *process* of reconciliation. For instance, [Luke 17:3-4](/luke/17-3-4 "Luke 17:3-4 - Forgiveness with Repentance") states, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. And if he wrongs you seven times in a day and comes back to you seven times saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive him." This suggests that while our *attitude* should always be one of readiness to forgive, the full *restoration* of relationship often involves the offender's repentance. Jesus' teaching in Matthew 18:22 primarily addresses the *disposition of the forgiver's heart*—that we should not keep a ledger of offenses or set limits on our willingness to forgive, even when repentance is repeated. It calls us to release the burden of bitterness, regardless of the other person's actions, while still allowing for healthy boundaries and consequences where genuine change is absent.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The teaching of boundless forgiveness in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Jesus' Example of Forgiveness") finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself. He is the one who perfectly lives out the "seventy times seven" standard, not merely by teaching it, but by demonstrating it through His life, death, and resurrection. On the cross, even as He was being crucified, Jesus prayed, "[Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Persecutors")" (Luke 23:34), offering forgiveness to His tormentors in their ignorance. His entire ministry was characterized by extending grace to sinners, the marginalized, and those considered unforgivable by society, illustrating that God's love and forgiveness are indeed limitless ([Luke 7:47-50](/luke/7-47-50 "Luke 7:47-50 - Jesus Forgives the Sinful Woman")). Moreover, it is through Christ's atoning sacrifice that humanity receives the ultimate, boundless forgiveness from God for our sins ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood")). Because we have been forgiven an infinite debt by God through Christ ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")), we are empowered and obligated to extend that same measure of forgiveness to others. Thus, Matthew 18:22 is not just a command to imitate Christ's actions, but a call to live out the reality of the forgiveness we have received *from* Christ, making Him both the source and the standard of our limitless mercy.

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

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.