Matthew 6:12

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} forgive {G863} us {G2254} our {G2257} debts {G3783}, as {G2532}{G5613} we {G2249} forgive {G863} our {G2257} debtors {G3781}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us.

Berean Standard Bible

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

American Standard Version

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:12, a core petition within the Lord's Prayer, profoundly articulates the Christian's dependence on divine forgiveness while simultaneously establishing a crucial ethical imperative: the willingness to extend forgiveness to others. This verse underscores that our spiritual well-being and the authenticity of our relationship with God are inextricably linked to our horizontal relationships, particularly our readiness to release those who have wronged us from their "debts." It is a daily reminder of both God's boundless mercy and our call to mirror that mercy in our own lives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Jesus' foundational teaching on prayer, forming part of the model prayer delivered during the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount Begins"). Following petitions that prioritize God's glory ("Hallowed be thy name"), His sovereign rule ("Thy kingdom come"), and daily sustenance ("Give us this day our daily bread"), this petition shifts focus to the spiritual and relational dimensions of human existence. It directly precedes Jesus' emphatic reiteration in [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - The Condition of Forgiveness"), where He underscores the absolute necessity of human forgiveness for receiving divine pardon, highlighting the profound importance of this specific request within the prayer's overall structure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the concept of "debt" (ὀφειλήματα) extended beyond mere financial obligation to encompass moral and spiritual failings. Sins against God or others were often conceptualized as debts incurred, requiring atonement or forgiveness. Jesus' audience, primarily Jewish disciples, would have understood this terminology within the framework of covenant relationship and the Law, where transgressions created a breach that needed reconciliation. The practice of forgiveness was a central tenet of Jewish ethical teaching, though Jesus' emphasis on reciprocal forgiveness, particularly in the context of prayer, elevates its significance to a new level, challenging conventional understandings of justice and retribution.
* **Key Themes:** Matthew 6:12 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Jesus' teaching. It highlights the **universality of sin** and humanity's constant need for divine grace, echoing sentiments like [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Crucially, it introduces the theme of **reciprocal forgiveness**, asserting that our experience of God's pardon is intimately connected to our willingness to forgive others. This is not a transactional exchange where human forgiveness earns divine forgiveness, but rather a demonstration that a heart transformed by God's grace will naturally extend that same grace. The verse also speaks to **spiritual health and freedom**, suggesting that harboring unforgiveness can hinder one's relationship with God and impede spiritual growth, a principle powerfully illustrated in the [Parable of the Unmerciful Servant](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This verb, derived from "to send forth," carries a rich semantic range including "to send away," "to let go," "to release," "to permit," and "to forgive." In the context of Matthew 6:12, it signifies the act of releasing someone from an obligation or a debt, specifically a moral or spiritual one. When applied to God, it means He remits or pardons our sins, releasing us from their guilt and consequences. When applied to humans, it means we release others from the "debt" of their wrongdoings against us, letting go of resentment and the desire for retribution.
* **debts (Greek, _opheílēma'_):** This noun literally means "something owed" or "an obligation." In a spiritual and moral context, as used here and confirmed by the parallel in [Luke 11:4](/luke/11-4 "Luke's Version of the Lord's Prayer") which uses "sins" (ἁμαρτίας), it refers to sins, trespasses, or moral failings against God. These are "debts" because they represent a failure to meet God's righteous standards, incurring a spiritual liability.
* **debtors (Greek, _opheilétēs'_):** This noun refers to an "ower" or "person indebted." Figuratively, it denotes a delinquent or, morally, a transgressor against God or against another person. In this verse, "our debtors" are those who have sinned against us, creating a "debt" of offense that we are called to forgive, mirroring the forgiveness we seek from God for our own transgressions.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And forgive us our debts":** This clause represents a humble and essential plea to God. It acknowledges humanity's inherent sinfulness and inability to perfectly adhere to God's righteous standards, thus incurring "debts" or spiritual liabilities. The request is for divine pardon and release from the guilt and consequences of these transgressions. It highlights our utter dependence on God's grace and mercy for reconciliation and spiritual cleansing.
* **"as we forgive our debtors":** This crucial clause establishes a profound connection between our vertical relationship with God and our horizontal relationships with others. The conjunction "as" (ὡς - _hōs_) indicates a correspondence, comparison, or a manner. It does not imply that our forgiveness of others earns God's forgiveness, but rather that our willingness to forgive those who have wronged us is a necessary reflection, evidence, or condition of a heart that has truly grasped and received God's forgiveness. It demonstrates a transformed character that mirrors divine mercy.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:12 employs several potent literary devices. The primary device is **Conditional Parallelism**, where the second clause ("as we forgive our debtors") stands in direct correspondence to the first ("And forgive us our debts"). This parallelism is not merely structural but deeply theological, implying that the measure or reality of our experience of God's forgiveness is reflected in our capacity to extend it to others. The use of **Metaphor** is also evident, as "debts" and "debtors" are used metaphorically to represent sins and those who commit them. This financial imagery effectively conveys the idea of an incurred obligation or transgression that requires release or pardon. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Chiasm** (though a simple one) in its thematic structure: God forgives us (A), as we forgive others (B). This structure emphasizes the reciprocal nature of forgiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This petition is profoundly theological, articulating that divine forgiveness is not merely a transactional act but a transformative process that reshapes the believer's heart to reflect God's character. It underscores that true repentance and reception of God's grace are evidenced by a willingness to extend that same grace to others. This is not a quid pro quo, where our forgiveness of others earns God's forgiveness, but rather a spiritual reality where a lack of horizontal forgiveness reveals a fundamental misunderstanding or rejection of the vertical forgiveness received from God. It challenges believers to live out the radical mercy they have been shown, fostering reconciliation and spiritual freedom.

* [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - The Condition of Forgiveness")
* [Matthew 18:21-35](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant")
* [Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forbear One Another and Forgive")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:12 serves as a daily spiritual audit, compelling believers to examine the state of their hearts regarding forgiveness. It challenges us to confront any bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness we may be harboring against those who have wronged us. The call is not to minimize the offense, but to release the offender from the "debt" of that offense, surrendering our right to retribution and trusting God for ultimate justice. This act of releasing others is not only an act of obedience and reflection of God's character but also a profound step towards our own spiritual and emotional liberation. It reminds us that walking in the freedom of God's forgiveness necessitates extending that freedom to others, fostering reconciliation and embodying the transformative power of the Gospel in our daily interactions.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "debts" (sins) do I need to confess to God and seek His forgiveness for today?**
* **Is there anyone I am currently holding a "debt" against, refusing to forgive? What steps can I take to release that person from their offense?**
* **How does my willingness (or unwillingness) to forgive others reflect my understanding and appreciation of God's forgiveness towards me?**
* **What are the spiritual and emotional consequences of harboring unforgiveness in my life?**

### FAQ

**Does forgiving others earn God's forgiveness?**

Answer: No, forgiving others does not earn God's forgiveness in a meritorious sense. God's forgiveness is a gift, freely given through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, received by grace through faith ([Ephesians 1:7](/ephesians/1-7 "Ephesians 1:7 - Redemption Through His Blood, the Forgiveness of Sins")). However, Matthew 6:12 and Jesus' subsequent teaching in [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - The Condition of Forgiveness") indicate that our willingness to forgive others is a vital condition or evidence of a heart that has truly received and understood God's forgiveness. It demonstrates that we have been transformed by His grace and are willing to extend that same grace. A refusal to forgive others suggests a heart that has not genuinely grasped the magnitude of its own debt to God and the immeasurable forgiveness received.

**What if I find it impossible to forgive someone who has deeply hurt me?**

Answer: Forgiveness is often a process, not a single event, especially when dealing with deep wounds. It does not mean condoning the offense or forgetting the pain, nor does it necessarily mean reconciliation if the other party is unrepentant or dangerous. Instead, it means releasing the offender from the "debt" you believe they owe you, surrendering your right to retribution, and entrusting justice to God ([Romans 12:19](/romans/12-19 "Romans 12:19 - Vengeance is Mine, I Will Repay, Says the Lord")). If you are struggling, pray for God's help to soften your heart, confess your struggle to Him, and seek support from trusted spiritual mentors or counselors. Remember that God's grace is sufficient to enable you to do what seems impossible ([Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "Luke 1:37 - For With God Nothing Will Be Impossible")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:12 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who, by His perfect life and sacrificial death, paid the ultimate "debt" of humanity's sin, making divine forgiveness possible. The shedding of His blood on the cross is the means by which our "debts" are truly forgiven and cancelled ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness of Sins and Cancellation of Debt")). Christ not only secured our forgiveness but also perfectly exemplified it, praying for His executioners from the cross, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" ([Luke 23:34](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus' Prayer for His Executioners")). As believers, we are called to forgive "even as God in Christ forgave you" ([Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving to One Another")), reflecting the very character of the One who bore our sins and became the ultimate "debtor" on our behalf ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, our ability and willingness to forgive others is a direct outflow of the profound forgiveness we have received through Christ, demonstrating the transformative power of His redemptive work in our lives.

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

Ephesians 4:32

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

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 1:7

In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Matthew 18:21

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

Matthew 18:35

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

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.

1 John 1:7

But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.