Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:28

What does Matthew 18:28 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:28 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:28 means

Despite experiencing such immense mercy, the forgiven servant immediately went out and found a fellow-servant who owed him a comparatively tiny sum: a hundred shillings. Whereas the first debt was astronomical, this was a small, manageable amount. Instead of extending grace, he violently assaulted his debtor, demanding immediate repayment. This shocking lack of compassion demonstrates a profound failure to grasp the magnitude of the mercy he had just received, revealing a hard and unforgiving heart.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But 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.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But 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.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But that servant went out, and meeting one of the other servants, who was in debt to him for one hundred pence, he took him by the throat, saying, Make payment of your debt.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And, that servant having come forth, found one of his fellow-servants who was owing him an hundred denaries, and having laid hold, he took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that which thou owest.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But when that servant was gone out, he found one of his fellow-servants that owed him an hundred pence: and laying hold of him, he throttled him, saying: Pay what thou owest.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But that bondman having gone out, found one of his fellow-bondmen who owed him a hundred denarii. And having seized him, he throttled him, saying, Pay [me] if thou owest anything.

Context

This verse presents the shocking pivot in the parable, immediately following the first servant's complete forgiveness in verse 27. It highlights the stark contrast between the king's immense mercy and the servant's cruel, petty behavior. This unforgiving action directly mirrors Peter's earlier question about limited forgiveness and sets the stage for the escalating conflict and ultimate judgment in the remaining verses of the parable.

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

v.28This passage

v.29So his fellow-servant fell down and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.

Cross references

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

  • Nehemiah 5:7

    Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I held a great assembly against them.

  • Deuteronomy 15:2

    And this is the manner of the release: every creditor shall release that which he hath lent unto his neighbor; he shall not exact it of his neighbor and his brother; because Jehovah’s release hath been proclaimed.

  • Nehemiah 5:10

    And I likewise, my brethren and my servants, do lend them money and grain. I pray you, let us leave off this usury.

  • Isaiah 58:3

    Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find your own pleasure, and exact all your labors.

  • Ezekiel 45:9

    Thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel: remove violence and spoil, and execute justice and righteousness; take away your exactions from my people, saith the Lord Jehovah.

  • Nehemiah 10:31

    and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

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