Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:32

What does Matthew 18:32 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:32 means

The king, upon hearing the report, summoned the now-wicked servant and confronted him directly. He reminded the servant of the immense debt he had personally forgiven, emphasizing that this extraordinary act of mercy was granted precisely because the servant had pleaded for it. The king's tone reveals utter disappointment and righteous indignation at the betrayal of his compassion, setting the stage for his powerful rebuke and subsequent judgment.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then his lord sent for him and said, You evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

then having called him, his lord saith to him, Evil servant! all that debt I did forgive thee, seeing thou didst call upon me,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Then his lord called him: and said to him: Thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all the debt, because thou besoughtest me:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then his lord, having called him to [him], says to him, Wicked bondman! I forgave thee all that debt because thou besoughtest me;

Context

This verse marks the beginning of the king's judgment, as he confronts the unforgiving servant after hearing the report in verse 31. The king's direct address serves as a powerful reminder of the grace previously extended, immediately preceding his pointed question in verse 33, which highlights the servant's failure to reciprocate that mercy.

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.

v.32This passage

v.33shouldest not thou also have had mercy on thy fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on thee?

Cross references

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

  • Romans 3:19

    Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it speaketh to them that are under the law; that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may be brought under the judgment of God:

  • Luke 19:22

    He saith unto him, Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee, thou wicked servant. Thou knewest that I am an austere man, taking up that which I laid not down, and reaping that which I did not sow;

  • Matthew 25:26

    But his lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I did not scatter;

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