Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:27

What does Matthew 18:27 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:27 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:27 means

Moved by profound compassion, the king not only granted the servant's request for patience but went far beyond it: he released him from bondage and completely forgave the entire, massive debt. This act of grace was neither earned nor expected, demonstrating the boundless mercy of the king, symbolizing God's immeasurable forgiveness of humanity's sin. It illustrates that God's pardon is not merely a postponement of judgment but a full and free cancellation of all charges for those who seek His mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And the lord of that servant, being moved with pity, let him go, and made him free of the debt.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and the lord of that servant having been moved with compassion did release him, and the debt he forgave him.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And the lord of that servant being moved with pity, let him go and forgave him the debt.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And the lord of that bondman, being moved with compassion, loosed him and forgave him the loan.

Context

This verse details the king's extraordinary act of compassion, directly responding to the servant's desperate plea in verse 26. This complete and unmerited forgiveness of an immense debt forms the theological core of the parable. This powerful example of grace then starkly contrasts with the servant's subsequent unforgiving behavior, which is revealed immediately in verse 28.

v.26The servant therefore fell down and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

v.27This passage

v.28But that servant went out, and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred shillings: and he laid hold on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay what thou owest.

Cross references

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

  • Psalms 145:8

    Jehovah is gracious, and merciful; Slow to anger, and of great lovingkindness.

  • Hosea 11:8

    How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I cast thee off, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboiim? my heart is turned within me, my compassions are kindled together.

  • Psalms 86:5

    For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive, And abundant in lovingkindness unto all them that call upon thee.

  • Judges 10:16

    And they put away the foreign gods from among them, and served Jehovah; and his soul was grieved for the misery of Israel.

  • Psalms 78:38

    But he, being merciful, forgave theiriniquity, and destroyedthemnot: Yea, many a time turned he his anger away, And did not stir up all his wrath.

  • Nehemiah 9:17

    and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not.

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