Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:21

What does Matthew 18:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:21 means

Peter, perhaps recognizing the implications of maintaining a healthy community, approached Jesus with a practical question about the limits of forgiveness. He suggested forgiving a brother 'until seven times,' likely thinking this was a generous and exceptional measure, as rabbinic tradition often suggested forgiving three times. Peter sought a quantifiable limit, reflecting a human tendency to put boundaries on grace and justice, failing to grasp the boundless nature of Christ's teaching on forgiveness.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Peter came and said to him, Lord, what number of times may my brother do wrong against me, and I give him forgiveness? till seven times?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Then Peter having come near to him, said, `Sir, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him--till seven times?'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then came Peter unto him and said: Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

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

Context

This verse marks a shift in the chapter's focus from church discipline and corporate prayer to the crucial issue of individual forgiveness between believers. Peter's question directly prompts Jesus' further teaching. His proposed 'seven times' immediately leads into Jesus' radical counter-instruction in verse 22, setting the stage for the parable of the unforgiving servant.

v.20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

v.21This passage

v.22Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times; but, Until seventy times seven.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Matthew 18:15

    And if thy brother sin against thee, go, show him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

  • Luke 17:3

    Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother sin, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

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