Matthew 18:30

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

And {G1161} he would {G2309} not {G3756}: but {G235} went {G565} and cast {G906} him {G846} into {G1519} prison {G5438}, till {G2193}{G3739} he should pay {G591} the debt {G3784}.

But he refused; instead, he had him thrown in jail until he should repay the debt.

But he refused. Instead, he went and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay his debt.

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due.

Matthew 18:30 (KJV) is a pivotal verse within the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, narrated by Jesus to illustrate the importance of forgiveness within God's kingdom. This verse describes the harsh action of a servant who, after being forgiven an enormous debt by his master, refused to extend similar mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a comparatively small sum.

Context

This parable is found in Matthew 18, following Peter's question to Jesus about how many times he should forgive his brother (Matthew 18:21-22). Jesus responds by teaching that forgiveness should be limitless (seventy times seven, meaning always) and then offers this parable to drive the point home. The preceding verses describe the master's immense compassion in forgiving the first servant's insurmountable debt (Matthew 18:27). Verse 30 starkly contrasts this divine generosity with the servant's human cruelty, highlighting his utter lack of empathy and refusal to forgive.

Key Themes

  • Unforgiveness and Lack of Mercy: The core message is the devastating consequence of withholding forgiveness, especially when one has received so much mercy. The servant's action demonstrates a hardened heart, unwilling to reflect the grace he experienced.
  • Hypocrisy: The servant's behavior is deeply hypocritical. He pleaded for mercy for himself and received it, yet he denied it to another for a trivial amount. This disparity underscores the moral failing.
  • Consequences of Unforgiveness: The act of casting the debtor into prison "till he should pay the debt" implies an impossible situation, as the debtor likely had no means to pay. This foreshadows the severe judgment awaiting those who refuse to forgive, as highlighted in the parable's conclusion.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "debt" here is opheilēma (ὀφείλημα), which can refer to a financial obligation but also carries the broader meaning of a trespass or a sin. This connection is vital, as it links the parable's financial debt to the spiritual concept of sin, echoing the language of the Lord's Prayer where believers ask God to "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" (Matthew 6:12). The phrase "cast him into prison" (ἔβαλεν εἰς φυλακήν - ebalen eis phylakēn) emphasizes the severity and finality of the servant's unmerciful act.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:30 serves as a powerful warning and a profound call to reflection for believers today. It reminds us that our ability to receive God's immense mercy and forgiveness is inextricably linked to our willingness to extend that same grace to others. Holding onto bitterness, grudges, or unforgiveness towards those who have wronged us is akin to the unforgiving servant's actions. True Christian living requires a heart that mirrors God's compassion, releasing others from their "debts" or offenses against us, just as Christ has released us from ours.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Kings 21:27

    And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

  • 1 Kings 21:29

    Seest thou how Ahab humbleth himself before me? because he humbleth himself before me, I will not bring the evil in his days: [but] in his son's days will I bring the evil upon his house.

  • 1 Kings 22:27

    And say, Thus saith the king, Put this [fellow] in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

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