Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:26

What does Matthew 18:26 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:26 means

Facing utter ruin for himself and his family, the servant prostrated himself before the king, pleading for patience and promising to repay everything. His act of 'worshipping' here means profound respectful submission. While his promise to pay such an immense sum was unrealistic, his desperate plea was a complete surrender to the king's authority, indicating a recognition of his dire situation and his master's power. This plea for patience sets the stage for the king's lavish and unexpected act of mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So the servant went down on his face and gave him worship, saying, Lord, give me time to make payment and I will give you all.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

The servant then, having fallen down, was bowing to him, saying, Sir, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But that servant falling down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The bondman therefore falling down did him homage, saying, Lord, have patience with me and I will pay thee all.

Context

This verse describes the immediate, desperate reaction of the first servant to the king's command in verse 25. His prostration and plea for patience directly lead into the pivotal moment of the king's compassion, as detailed in verse 27. This dramatic interaction highlights the stark contrast between human inadequacy and divine mercy, forming the basis for the entire parable's message about forgiveness.

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.

v.26This passage

v.27And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 8:2

    And behold, there came to him a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.

  • Luke 7:43

    Simon answered and said, He, I suppose, to whom he forgave the most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

  • Matthew 18:29

    So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.

  • Romans 10:3

    For being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.

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