Matthew 18:34

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

And {G2532} his {G846} lord {G2962} was wroth {G3710}, and delivered {G3860} him {G846} to the tormentors {G930}, till {G2193}{G3739} he should pay {G591} all {G3956} that was due {G3784} unto him {G846}.

And in anger his master turned him over to the jailers for punishment until he paid back everything he owed.

In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed.

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due.

Commentary

Commentary on Matthew 18:34 (KJV)

This verse concludes the poignant Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, found in Matthew 18:23-35. It describes the just, severe consequence faced by the servant who, after being forgiven an enormous, unpayable debt by his lord, refused to show mercy to a fellow servant who owed him a comparatively minuscule amount.

Context

The parable is part of Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and the Kingdom of Heaven, prompted by Peter's question about how often one should forgive (Matthew 18:21). The lord in the parable represents God, and the servants represent individuals in their relationship with God and with each other. The immense debt forgiven by the lord highlights the immeasurable forgiveness God extends to humanity, particularly through Christ's sacrifice. The servant's subsequent refusal to forgive his peer reveals a profound lack of understanding and gratitude for the mercy he received.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Justice and Consequences: The "lord was wroth" signifies a righteous indignation, not an uncontrolled outburst, but a just response to the servant's profound ingratitude and hardheartedness. This verse powerfully illustrates that God's forgiveness, while freely given, comes with the expectation that recipients will embody the same spirit of mercy towards others.
  • The Seriousness of Unforgiveness: The "tormentors" (Greek: basanistai) implies severe suffering or strict accountability until an impossible debt is paid. This underscores the grave spiritual consequences of withholding forgiveness, suggesting that unforgiveness can lead to a state of spiritual distress and judgment.
  • Reciprocal Forgiveness: The parable's climax and this verse's judgment serve as a stark warning. Jesus consistently teaches that our forgiveness from God is intertwined with our willingness to forgive others. This principle is famously echoed in the Lord's Prayer, "forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," and further elaborated in Matthew 6:15.

Linguistic Insights

The term "wroth" comes from the Greek verb orgizomai, meaning to be angry or indignant. In this context, it conveys a deep, justified displeasure on the part of the lord, reflecting God's righteous anger towards those who refuse to extend the mercy they have received. The word "tormentors" (Greek: basanistai) literally refers to torturers or jailers who would extract payment through harsh means. In this parable, it represents the severe judgment and consequences that befall those who are unforgiving, often interpreted as spiritual anguish or even eternal judgment.

Practical Application

Matthew 18:34 serves as a powerful reminder for every believer. Having received God's boundless grace and forgiveness for our immense spiritual debt, we are called to reflect that same mercy in our interactions with others. To harbor unforgiveness not only goes against the very heart of the Gospel but also invites spiritual detriment and a forfeiture of the peace that comes from a forgiving spirit. This verse challenges us to examine our hearts and ensure that we are truly forgiving others, just as Christ has forgiven us.

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Cross-References

  • Matthew 5:25 (8 votes)

    Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison.

  • Matthew 5:26 (8 votes)

    Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.

  • James 2:13 (7 votes)

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

  • Luke 12:58 (4 votes)

    When thou goest with thine adversary to the magistrate, [as thou art] in the way, give diligence that thou mayest be delivered from him; lest he hale thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and the officer cast thee into prison.

  • Luke 12:59 (4 votes)

    I tell thee, thou shalt not depart thence, till thou hast paid the very last mite.

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:8 (3 votes)

    In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

  • 2 Thessalonians 1:9 (3 votes)

    Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;