Matthew 18:33

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

Shouldest {G1163} not {G3756} thou {G4571} also {G2532} have had compassion {G1653} on thy {G4675} fellowservant {G4889}, even {G2532} as {G5613} I {G1473} had pity {G1653} on thee {G4571}?

Shouldn't you have had pity on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?'

Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had on you?’

shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?

Commentary

Context of Matthew 18:33

This verse is a pivotal moment in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, narrated by Jesus in Matthew 18. The parable immediately follows Peter's question about how often to forgive a brother (Matthew 18:21-22). In the story, a servant is forgiven an immense, unpayable debt by his master out of compassion. However, that same servant then encounters a fellow servant who owes him a comparatively tiny sum and mercilessly refuses to forgive it, even having him thrown into prison. Matthew 18:33 represents the master's indignant rebuke to the unforgiving servant, highlighting the profound hypocrisy and lack of empathy shown by one who had received such extraordinary grace.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Mercy and Forgiveness: The master's initial act of forgiving the enormous debt illustrates God's boundless mercy towards humanity, who are indebted to Him in ways they cannot repay.
  • Reciprocal Forgiveness: The core message is that those who have received God's immense forgiveness are expected to extend forgiveness to others. Our compassion for others should mirror the compassion God has shown us.
  • Hypocrisy of Unforgiveness: The verse exposes the severe incongruity of accepting great mercy while refusing to show even a little mercy to others. It underscores the spiritual blindness that can accompany a lack of forgiveness.
  • Call to Compassion: Jesus challenges His followers to cultivate a heart of compassion and pity, reflecting the very character of God. This is not merely an option but a consequence and expectation of experiencing divine grace.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV uses "compassion" and "pity" interchangeably in this verse, translating the Greek verb splagchnizomai (σπλαγχνίζομαι). This powerful word literally means "to be moved in the bowels" or "to have one's entrails yearn." It conveys a deep, visceral, gut-wrenching feeling of mercy and empathy. It is often used in the Gospels to describe Jesus's profound emotional response to human suffering and need (e.g., when He saw the multitudes, Matthew 9:36). The master's question in Matthew 18:33 is a rhetorical one, highlighting the absolute expectation that the servant should have felt and acted with the same deep compassion he had received.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:33 serves as a powerful reminder for all believers. It challenges us to examine our own hearts and relationships. If we have received God's incredible forgiveness for our sins, how can we withhold forgiveness from those who have wronged us, especially for offenses that pale in comparison to our debt to God? This verse calls us to:

  • Reflect God's Character: Our capacity to forgive others is a direct reflection of our understanding and appreciation of God's forgiveness in our own lives.
  • Break Cycles of Bitterness: Holding onto grudges and bitterness can imprison us, just as the unforgiving servant imprisoned his fellow servant. True freedom comes through extending the grace we have received.
  • Live Out the Gospel: Forgiveness is not just a theological concept but a practical aspect of Christian living, impacting our relationships with others and our fellowship with God. As the petition in the Lord's Prayer reminds us, we ask God to forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.

Failure to forgive, as shown by the master's judgment on the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:35), carries serious spiritual implications. Therefore, this verse is a perpetual call to humble, compassionate, and forgiving hearts.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Colossians 3:13 (8 votes)

    Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also [do] ye.

  • Ephesians 4:32 (6 votes)

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

  • Ephesians 5:2 (6 votes)

    And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.

  • Matthew 6:12 (6 votes)

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

  • Luke 6:35 (4 votes)

    But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and [to] the evil.

  • Luke 6:36 (4 votes)

    Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.

  • Matthew 5:44 (3 votes)

    But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;