Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:31

What does Matthew 18:31 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:31 means

When the other fellow-servants witnessed the unforgiving act, they were deeply distressed and saddened by what had transpired. Their shared sorrow suggests a sense of injustice and moral outrage. They promptly reported the entire situation to their lord, unable to bear the inconsistency and cruelty of the forgiven servant's actions. This swift reporting ensures that the king, who had shown such great mercy, would be made aware of the servant's flagrant disregard for that grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So when the other servants saw what was done they were very sad, and came and gave word to their lord of what had been done.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

`And his fellow-servants having seen the things that were done, were grieved exceedingly, and having come, shewed fully to their lord all the things that were done;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Now his fellow servants seeing what was done, were very much grieved, and they came, and told their lord all that was done.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But his fellow-bondmen, having seen what had taken place, were greatly grieved, and went and recounted to their lord all that had taken place.

Context

This verse serves as a turning point in the parable, as the injustice committed by the first servant is brought to light. It immediately follows the unmerciful imprisonment in verse 30. The sorrow and subsequent report by the fellow-servants trigger a new intervention by the king, setting the stage for his righteous indignation and ultimate judgment, which begins in verse 32.

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

v.31This passage

v.32Then his lord called him unto him, and saith to him, Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou besoughtest me:

Cross references

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

  • Mark 3:5

    And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved at the hardening of their heart, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thy hand. And he stretched it forth; and his hand was restored.

  • Hebrews 13:17

    Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit to them: for they watch in behalf of your souls, as they that shall give account; that they may do this with joy, and not with grief: for this were unprofitable for you.

  • Luke 19:41

    And when he drew nigh, he saw the city and wept over it,

  • Jeremiah 9:1

    Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people!

  • Psalms 119:158

    I beheld the treacherous, and was grieved, Because they observe not thy word.

  • Romans 9:1

    I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience bearing witness with me in the Holy Spirit,

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