Matthew 18:35

KJV

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

KJV (with Strong's)

So {G3779} likewise shall my {G3450} heavenly {G2032} Father {G3962} do {G4160} also {G2532} unto you {G5213}, if {G3362} ye from {G575} your {G5216} hearts {G2588} forgive {G863} not {G3362} every one {G1538} his {G846} brother {G80} their {G846} trespasses {G3900}.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is how my heavenly Father will treat you, unless you each forgive your brother from your hearts."

Berean Standard Bible

That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

American Standard Version

So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 18:35 serves as the concluding and climactic warning of Jesus' Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, emphasizing the profound and reciprocal relationship between divine forgiveness and human forgiveness. It asserts that the heavenly Father's treatment of His children will mirror their willingness to extend genuine, heartfelt forgiveness to their fellow believers, underscoring the serious spiritual consequences of harboring unforgiveness. This verse encapsulates a core teaching of Jesus, linking God's mercy towards us to our demonstration of mercy towards others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 18:35 is the solemn concluding statement to the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, found in [Matthew 18:23-34](/matthew/18-23-34 "Matthew 18:23-34 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant"). This parable itself is Jesus' response to Peter's question in [Matthew 18:21](/matthew/18-21 "Matthew 18:21 - Peter's Question About Forgiveness") about the limits of forgiveness ("How often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?"). Jesus' answer, "Until seventy times seven" in [Matthew 18:22](/matthew/18-22 "Matthew 18:22 - Jesus' Teaching on Boundless Forgiveness"), sets the stage for the parable, which vividly illustrates the immeasurable debt God forgives us and the comparatively minuscule debts we are called to forgive others. The verse acts as a powerful capstone, applying the parable's lesson directly to the disciples and, by extension, to all believers.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, legal and social structures often revolved around debt and honor. While forgiveness was a concept, the idea of boundless, unconditional forgiveness, especially for repeated offenses, was revolutionary. Rabbinic tradition often suggested forgiving three or four times, making Peter's "seven times" seem generous. Jesus' "seventy times seven" (or seventy-seven times, depending on translation) shattered these limits, introducing a new standard of grace. The parable's depiction of a king forgiving an enormous, unpayable debt (ten thousand talents) would have been understood as an astronomical sum, highlighting the vastness of God's grace, while the servant's refusal to forgive a trivial debt (one hundred denarii) would have been seen as an act of egregious hypocrisy and cruelty, particularly in a society where community and mutual support were vital.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Matthew's Gospel and broader biblical theology. It reinforces the theme of **discipleship and the kingdom of heaven**, emphasizing the ethical demands placed upon those who claim to follow Christ, particularly in light of the kingdom's values of mercy and reconciliation (see [Matthew 5:7](/matthew/5-7 "Matthew 5:7 - Blessed are the Merciful")). It deeply connects to the theme of **divine justice and judgment**, indicating that God's judgment is not arbitrary but is intrinsically linked to human actions, especially regarding how we treat those who wrong us, as also seen in the Lord's Prayer in [Matthew 6:12](/matthew/6-12 "Matthew 6:12 - The Lord's Prayer and Forgiveness"). Furthermore, it highlights the **transformative power of God's grace**, suggesting that true recipients of God's immense forgiveness will naturally embody a forgiving spirit, reflecting the character of their heavenly Father, a concept echoed in [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **hearts (Greek, _kardía'_):** From G2588, referring to the heart, which figuratively represents the thoughts, feelings, or mind. This emphasizes that forgiveness is not merely an outward act or a grudging concession, but a deep, internal disposition. It signifies a genuine release of resentment, anger, and the desire for retribution, originating from the innermost being.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** From G863, meaning "to send forth," "to let go," "to release," or "to dismiss." This word powerfully conveys the idea of a complete cancellation of a debt or offense. It's not just a temporary truce or a suppression of anger, but a full release of the other person from the obligation or guilt of their trespass, mirroring how God releases us from our sin-debt.
* **trespasses (Greek, _paráptōma'_):** From G3900, meaning a "side-slip," "lapse or deviation," "error," or "wilful transgression." This term describes the nature of the offense committed against one's brother. It encompasses both unintentional errors and deliberate wrongdoings, underscoring that the call to forgive extends to all forms of moral or relational offense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you,"**: This opening clause establishes a direct, reciprocal relationship between God's action and human action. The "So likewise" (Greek, _hoútō_) explicitly links this divine response to the preceding parable, indicating that God's dealing with His children will parallel how they deal with others. The "heavenly Father" (Greek, _epouránios Patḗr_) underscores His divine authority and perfect justice, reminding the audience of the ultimate source of all forgiveness and judgment.
* **"if ye from your hearts forgive not"**: This is the critical conditional clause. The "if not" (Greek, _eàn mḗ_) introduces a stark warning: the consequence is contingent upon the absence of forgiveness. The phrase "from your hearts" is paramount, stressing that the forgiveness required is not superficial or performative but must emanate from a genuine, internal disposition, free from lingering bitterness or a desire for revenge.
* **"every one his brother their trespasses."**: This specifies the scope and object of the required forgiveness. "Every one" (Greek, _hékastos_) emphasizes the universal application of this command to all believers, without exception. "His brother" (Greek, _adelphós_) points to fellow members of the community, particularly those within the family of faith, though the principle extends broadly. "Their trespasses" (Greek, _paráptōma_) refers to the offenses, errors, or transgressions committed, whether great or small, that require this heartfelt release.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 18:35 employs several powerful literary devices. **Simile** is central, as the phrase "So likewise" explicitly draws a parallel between the king's action in the parable and the heavenly Father's future action towards His children. This creates a direct comparison that highlights the moral imperative. **Conditional Clause** ("if ye... forgive not") is used to present a clear cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing the serious consequences of failing to meet the stated condition. This structure serves as a stark warning. The verse also utilizes **Metonymy** through the phrase "from your hearts," where "hearts" stands in for the innermost being, the seat of thoughts, emotions, and will, underscoring the depth and sincerity required for true forgiveness. Finally, the entire verse functions as a **Moral Application** or **Exhortation**, directly applying the preceding narrative (the parable) to the lives of the listeners, urging them to embody the character of their forgiving God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 18:35 profoundly articulates a core principle of Christian discipleship: the reception of God's boundless grace necessitates the extension of grace to others. It is not that our forgiveness earns God's forgiveness, but rather that a heart truly transformed by the experience of God's immense mercy will naturally reflect that mercy towards others. Unforgiveness, therefore, signals a fundamental misunderstanding or rejection of the very grace that saves us, hindering our spiritual well-being and relationship with God. This verse challenges believers to embody the character of their heavenly Father, whose forgiveness is both the pattern and the power for our own acts of reconciliation.

* [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - Forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer")
* [Mark 11:25](/mark/11-25 "Mark 11:25 - Forgiveness and Prayer")
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Bear with Each Other and Forgive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 18:35 calls us to a radical and counter-cultural commitment to forgiveness, one that mirrors the infinite mercy we have received from God in Christ. It compels us to examine the deepest recesses of our hearts, confronting any bitterness, resentment, or desire for retaliation that may reside there. True forgiveness, as taught here, is not merely forgetting an offense or excusing a wrong; it is a deliberate, heartfelt act of releasing the offender from the debt they owe, choosing to let go of the right to hold it against them. This act liberates not only the one forgiven but also the forgiver from the corrosive chains of bitterness, allowing God's grace to flow freely in our own lives. It reminds us that our spiritual health and our relationship with our heavenly Father are inextricably linked to our willingness to extend the same grace we have so freely received.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Are there any individuals in your life whom you are currently struggling to forgive from your heart?**
* **How does holding onto unforgiveness impact your own spiritual well-being and your relationship with God?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a heart that is quick to forgive, even when it is difficult?**
* **In what ways does your willingness to forgive others demonstrate the reality of God's forgiveness in your own life?**

### FAQ
**Does Matthew 18:35 mean that God will stop forgiving me if I don't forgive others?**

Answer: This verse does not suggest that our salvation is earned by our forgiveness or that God's initial act of grace is conditional. Instead, it highlights that a genuine experience of God's immense forgiveness naturally transforms the heart, producing a capacity and desire to forgive others. If one consistently refuses to forgive "from the heart," it reveals a spiritual state that may not have truly grasped or received God's grace. It's less about a transactional exchange and more about the evidence of a transformed life. As [1 John 4:7-8](/1_john/4-7-8 "1 John 4:7-8 - God is Love") teaches, those who truly know God will reflect His character, and God's character is profoundly forgiving. Therefore, persistent unforgiveness indicates a disconnect from the very nature of the heavenly Father.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 18:35 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of the heavenly Father's boundless forgiveness, demonstrating it perfectly on the cross. On Calvary, Christ, the Lamb of God, took upon Himself the "trespasses" of humanity, offering a complete and final "forgiveness" (Greek, _aphíēmi_) for a debt that was astronomically greater than any human could repay ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins")). His sacrifice reveals the depth of God's "heart" (Greek, _kardía_) for reconciliation. Therefore, when Jesus commands His followers to forgive "from your hearts" and warns of the consequences of not doing so, He is not imposing an arbitrary rule, but calling them to participate in the very character of God, which was fully revealed in His own life, death, and resurrection. Our capacity to forgive others is a direct outflow of the forgiveness we have received through Christ, enabling us to live as true children of our "heavenly Father" ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")). The parable's king, who forgave the unpayable debt, is a profound foreshadowing of God the Father, who through Christ, has forgiven our infinite spiritual debt, compelling us to "likewise" extend grace to our brothers and sisters ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God's Love Demonstrated")).

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

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.

James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Luke 6:37

¶ Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:

Luke 6:38

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

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.

Matthew 6:12

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.