Matthew 6:14

KJV

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} if {G1437} ye forgive {G863} men {G444} their {G846} trespasses {G3900}, your {G5216} heavenly {G3770} Father {G3962} will also {G2532} forgive {G863} you {G5213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you;

Berean Standard Bible

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

American Standard Version

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Matthew 6:14 serves as a profound postscript to the petition for forgiveness found within the Lord's Prayer, underscoring a foundational principle of the kingdom of God: the inextricable link between human forgiveness and divine forgiveness. This verse articulates that the measure of mercy we extend to others for their transgressions directly corresponds to the mercy our heavenly Father will extend to us, thereby emphasizing the transformative power of a forgiving heart as a prerequisite for experiencing God's full grace.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Matthew 6:14 immediately follows the Lord's Prayer, specifically elaborating on the petition, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors" ([Matthew 6:12](/matthew/6-12 "Matthew 6:12 - The Fifth Petition of the Lord's Prayer")). This placement is highly significant, as Jesus pauses His teaching on prayer to provide an emphatic commentary on this particular aspect of forgiveness. The verse, along with its negative counterpart in [Matthew 6:15](/matthew/6-15 "Matthew 6:15 - The Consequence of Unforgiveness"), highlights that forgiveness is not merely an optional virtue but a vital characteristic of those who truly understand and participate in God's kingdom. It is part of the broader [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Beatitudes and Kingdom Ethics"), where Jesus systematically redefines righteousness, moving beyond external legalism to an internal transformation of the heart and motives.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Jewish society, the concept of debt and forgiveness often intertwined. "Debts" could refer to financial obligations but also to moral or spiritual offenses, reflecting a communal understanding of wrongdoing. The idea of reciprocal justice was prevalent, but Jesus elevates this to a divine standard, where human actions of forgiveness mirror and enable divine forgiveness. While the Law of Moses included provisions for restitution and forgiveness within the community, Jesus' teaching pushes beyond mere legal compliance to a radical, heart-level forgiveness that reflects the character of God. The audience, primarily Jewish, would have understood the concept of a "heavenly Father" as a reference to God, but Jesus' emphasis on an intimate, personal relationship with God as Father was revolutionary, as was the implication that this relationship was contingent on their willingness to forgive others.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the [Sermon on the Mount](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount") and the Gospel of Matthew. It reinforces the theme of **Radical Righteousness**, where true righteousness is not merely external obedience but an internal disposition of the heart that mirrors God's character. It profoundly develops the theme of **Divine Forgiveness**, presenting it not as an automatic, unconditional act but as one deeply connected to the believer's own practice of forgiveness, echoing the parable of the unforgiving servant in [Matthew 18:21-35](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant"). Furthermore, it highlights **Authentic Discipleship**, asserting that genuine followers of Christ are characterized by a forgiving spirit, demonstrating that their understanding of God's grace leads to a life of grace toward others. The verse also implicitly touches on the theme of **Kingdom Ethics**, demonstrating how the principles of God's reign are to be lived out in daily human interactions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **For (Greek, _gár'_):** This particle serves to assign a reason or provide an explanation. Its presence here indicates that [Matthew 6:14](/matthew/6-14 "Matthew 6:14 - The Condition of Forgiveness") is not a new, isolated thought but a direct elaboration and justification for the preceding petition in the Lord's Prayer, specifically [Matthew 6:12](/matthew/6-12 "Matthew 6:12 - Forgive Us Our Debts"). It links the human act of forgiving to the divine act, explaining the "why" behind the prayer's structure.
* **trespasses (Greek, _paráptōma'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to fall beside" or "to slip," _paráptōma_ signifies a false step, a deviation from the right path, an error, or a transgression. It refers to an offense or sin committed against another person, often implying a lapse or a fault. This word emphasizes that the wrongs committed by others against us are not merely personal affronts but moral failings that require a response of forgiveness.
* **forgive (Greek, _aphíēmi'_):** This versatile verb carries multiple meanings, including "to send away," "to let go," "to release," "to permit," or "to pardon." In the context of forgiveness, it means to release someone from a debt or an offense, to let go of resentment, and to restore a relationship. The repetition of this verb in the verse underscores the reciprocal nature of the action: we "release" others from their offenses against us, and in turn, God "releases" us from our offenses against Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For if ye forgive men their trespasses,"**: This opening clause establishes the condition. The "for" (Greek, _gár_) directly connects this statement to the preceding Lord's Prayer, particularly the petition for forgiveness. It posits a hypothetical yet crucial action on the part of the believer: the act of releasing others from the wrongs they have committed. The term "trespasses" (Greek, _paráptōma_) denotes specific offenses or deviations from what is right, highlighting the concrete nature of the wrongs that require forgiveness. The "if" (Greek, _eán_) introduces a conditional clause, indicating that the subsequent divine action is contingent upon this human act.
* **"your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"**: This clause presents the consequence or outcome of fulfilling the condition. It identifies the agent of forgiveness as "your heavenly Father," emphasizing God's paternal relationship with believers and His divine authority. The inclusion of "also" (Greek, _kaí_) reinforces the direct correlation and reciprocity: just as we forgive, so too will God forgive. This is not a statement that human forgiveness earns divine forgiveness in a meritorious sense, but rather that a forgiving heart demonstrates a reception and understanding of God's grace, making one receptive to His continued forgiveness. It implies that unforgiveness creates a barrier to experiencing the fullness of God's pardoning grace.

#### Literary Devices
Matthew 6:14 primarily employs **Conditional Statement** and **Reciprocity**. The verse is structured as a clear conditional statement ("If A, then B"), directly linking the human action of forgiving others to the divine action of God forgiving us. This grammatical structure highlights the direct, cause-and-effect relationship Jesus intends to convey. Furthermore, the use of **Reciprocity** is central, establishing a parallel between our behavior and God's. It's a mirror principle: the way we treat others, particularly in matters of offense and reconciliation, reflects and influences how we experience God's grace. This is not a quid pro quo where we earn salvation, but rather a profound spiritual truth that our capacity to extend mercy is a sign of our reception of divine mercy, and a prerequisite for its ongoing flow in our lives. The **Repetition** of the verb "forgive" (Greek, _aphíēmi_) further emphasizes this reciprocal relationship, underscoring the critical nature of this action on both human and divine levels.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Matthew 6:14 unveils a profound theological truth about the nature of God's forgiveness and the character expected of His children. It is not a statement that human forgiveness merits salvation or earns God's initial grace, but rather that a heart unwilling to forgive others demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding or rejection of the immense forgiveness already received from God. Our capacity to extend mercy reflects the degree to which we have truly grasped the magnitude of our own "debt" to God and the immeasurable grace by which it was canceled. Unforgiveness, therefore, becomes a spiritual blockage, hindering our communion with God and our ability to fully experience His ongoing pardon and blessing. It challenges believers to embody the very grace they constantly depend on, transforming them into conduits of divine mercy in a broken world.

* [Matthew 18:21-35](/matthew/18-21-35 "Matthew 18:21-35 - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant")
* [Luke 6:37](/luke/6-37 "Luke 6:37 - Judge Not, Forgive, and You Will Be Forgiven")
* [Ephesians 4:32](/ephesians/4-32 "Ephesians 4:32 - Be Kind and Forgiving")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Matthew 6:14 calls us to a radical re-evaluation of our relationships and our spiritual posture. It challenges us to confront any bitterness, resentment, or unforgiveness we may harbor, recognizing that these attitudes not only harm others but also erect barriers to our own spiritual well-being and our experience of God's grace. This verse is not about earning God's love, but about demonstrating that we have truly understood and received it. If we have been forgiven an infinite debt by our heavenly Father, how can we withhold forgiveness for the comparatively minor "trespasses" of others against us? Practicing forgiveness is an act of faith, trusting God with our hurt and releasing the offender, thereby freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness. It is a powerful witness to the world, reflecting the very character of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Is there anyone I am currently holding unforgiveness against? What steps can I take to release that person from their "trespass" in my heart?**
* **How does my willingness (or unwillingness) to forgive others reflect my understanding of God's forgiveness towards me?**
* **In what ways might unforgiveness be hindering my spiritual growth or my relationship with God?**
* **What practical actions can I take this week to cultivate a more forgiving heart, even in difficult situations?**

### FAQ
**Does Matthew 6:14 mean that God's forgiveness is conditional on my actions, implying I can lose my salvation if I don't forgive others?**

Answer: No, Matthew 6:14 does not teach that salvation is earned by human forgiveness or that one can lose salvation by failing to forgive. Rather, it speaks to the ongoing, relational aspect of forgiveness within the life of a believer. The initial act of salvation and forgiveness of sins is a free gift received by grace through faith in Christ ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Salvation by Grace Through Faith")). This verse, however, addresses the practical outworking of that salvation in daily life. A truly transformed heart, one that has experienced the profound forgiveness of God, will naturally desire to extend that same grace to others. Unforgiveness, therefore, is not a cause for losing salvation, but a symptom of a heart that may not be fully embracing or reflecting the grace it has received, potentially hindering one's communion with God and the experience of His ongoing blessings and fellowship. It highlights that a forgiving spirit is evidence of a genuine relationship with God and a prerequisite for continued spiritual vitality.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Matthew 6:14 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the embodiment of divine forgiveness, demonstrating the Father's willingness to "send away" our trespasses through His atoning sacrifice on the cross. Jesus' life perfectly modeled the principle He taught: He forgave those who persecuted Him, even praying, "[Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do](/luke/23-34 "Luke 23:34 - Jesus Forgives His Executioners")" while on the cross. His death was the ultimate act of God's forgiveness, taking upon Himself the "trespasses" of humanity so that we might be reconciled to God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Therefore, our ability to forgive others is not a self-generated virtue but a direct outflow of the forgiveness we have received through Christ. When we forgive, we participate in Christ's redemptive work, reflecting His character and demonstrating the transformative power of His cross in our lives ([Colossians 3:13](/colossians/3-13 "Colossians 3:13 - Forgiving One Another")). The "heavenly Father" who forgives us is the same Father revealed by Jesus, whose very nature is merciful and gracious, and who calls His children to emulate that divine 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

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.

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.

Matthew 7:2

For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

James 2:13

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

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.