Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:29

What does Matthew 18:29 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:29 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:29 means

Just as the first servant had done, his fellow-servant fell down and pleaded for patience, promising to repay the small debt. The language mirrors the first servant's plea to the king, creating a strong parallel and underscoring the irony of the situation. This desperate request for mercy provided the newly forgiven servant with an immediate opportunity to extend the same grace he had just received, making his subsequent refusal all the more reprehensible.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So that servant went down on his face, requesting him and saying, Give me time and I will make payment to you.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

His fellow-servant then, having fallen down at his feet, was calling on him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And his fellow-servant falling down, besought him, saying: Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

His fellow-bondman therefore, having fallen down [at his feet], besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee.

Context

This verse parallels the plea of the first servant to the king (verse 26), now presented by the second servant to the first. It immediately follows the unforgiving act in verse 28 and intensifies the contrast between the mercy sought and the mercy given. This desperate appeal for patience directly precedes the first servant's cruel refusal, further highlighting his moral failing in verse 30.

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.

v.29This passage

v.30And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay that which was due.

Cross references

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

  • Matthew 6:12

    And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

  • Philemon 1:18

    But if he hath wronged thee at all, or oweth thee aught, put that to mine account;

  • Matthew 18:26

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

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