Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:24

What does Matthew 18:24 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:24 means

As the reckoning began, a servant was brought before the king who owed an astronomical sum: ten thousand talents. A talent was an immense unit of currency, making this debt virtually insurmountable—far more than a common laborer could earn in many lifetimes, perhaps even billions in modern currency. This seemingly unpayable debt represents the immeasurable spiritual debt of sin humanity owes to God, highlighting the utter incapability of anyone to compensate for their transgressions by their own efforts.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, that owed him ten thousand talents.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And at the start, one came to him who was in his debt for ten thousand talents.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he having begun to take account, there was brought near to him one debtor of a myriad of talents,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when he had begun to take the account, one as brought to him, that owed him ten thousand talents.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having begun to reckon, one debtor of ten thousand talents was brought to him.

Context

This verse immediately follows the introduction of the king's reckoning in verse 23, presenting the first servant and his extraordinarily large debt. This staggering figure is crucial for understanding the parable's message, as it sets up the contrast with the much smaller debt later, underscoring the magnitude of God's forgiveness, which is revealed in the subsequent verses.

v.23Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants.

v.24This passage

v.25But forasmuch as he had not wherewith to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

Cross references

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

  • Luke 16:5

    And calling to him each one of his lord’s debtors, he said to the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?

  • Psalms 38:4

    For mine iniquities are gone over my head: As a heavy burden they are too heavy for me.

  • Luke 16:7

    Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, A hundred measures of wheat. He saith unto him, Take thy bond, and write fourscore.

  • Psalms 130:3

    If thou, Jehovah, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?

  • Psalms 40:12

    For innumerable evils have compassed me about; Mine iniquities have overtaken me, so that I am not able to look up; They are more than the hairs of my head; And my heart hath failed me.

  • Luke 13:4

    Or those eighteen, upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, think ye that they were offenders above all the men that dwell in Jerusalem?

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