Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:30

What does Matthew 18:30 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:30 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:30 means

The first servant, despite having just experienced immeasurable grace, harshly refused his fellow-servant's plea. Instead of granting patience or forgiveness, he had him thrown into prison until the debt could be fully repaid, a measure typically reserved for those who could not or would not pay. This act of unyielding severity, particularly after being shown such immense mercy himself, reveals an utterly callous and ungrateful heart, demonstrating a complete disconnect from the king's compassionate character.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he would not: but went and put him into prison till he had made payment of the debt.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and he would not, but having gone away, he cast him into prison, till he might pay that which was owing.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he paid the debt.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But he would not, but went away and cast him into prison, until he should pay what was owing.

Context

This verse describes the unforgiving servant's cruel refusal, immediately following the second servant's plea for mercy in verse 29. This harsh action highlights the first servant's hypocrisy and lack of understanding regarding true forgiveness. This injustice is observed by others and becomes the catalyst for the escalation of the parable, as reported in verse 31.

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

v.30This passage

v.31So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were exceeding sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Cross references

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

  • 1 Kings 22:27

    and say, Thus saith the king, Put this fellow in the prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction, until I come in peace.

  • 1 Kings 21:27

    And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.

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