Devine Scripture

Matthew 18:35

What does Matthew 18:35 mean?

A plain-English look at Matthew 18:35 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Matthew 18:35 means

Jesus directly applies the parable's somber lesson: God the Father will similarly deal with His children if they fail to forgive their brothers 'from your hearts.' This condition emphasizes that true forgiveness is not merely a verbal declaration or a superficial act, but a deep, sincere release of resentment and grievance from within the heart. Failure to do so implies that one has not truly grasped or honored the boundless forgiveness God has extended to them, leading to severe spiritual consequences.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So will my Father in heaven do to you, if you do not everyone, from your hearts, give forgiveness to his brother.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also my heavenly Father will do to you, if ye may not forgive each one his brother from your hearts their trespasses.'

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So also shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thus also my heavenly Father shall do to you if ye forgive not from your hearts every one his brother.

Context

This verse provides the definitive conclusion and direct application of the parable of the unforgiving servant. It seamlessly connects the king's judgment in verse 34 to the Father's dealing with His children. This concluding statement powerfully summarizes Jesus' teaching on unlimited, heartfelt forgiveness, bringing the entire discourse on community life and reconciliation to a challenging and crucial close.

v.34And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due.

v.35This passage

Cross references

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

  • Zechariah 7:12

    Yea, they made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which Jehovah of hosts had sent by his Spirit by the former prophets: therefore there came great wrath from Jehovah of hosts.

  • Proverbs 21:2

    Every way of a man is right in his own eyes; But Jehovah weigheth the hearts.

  • Proverbs 21:13

    Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, He also shall cry, but shall not be heard.

  • Matthew 6:14

    For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

  • James 2:13

    For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.

  • Luke 6:37

    And judge not, and ye shall not be judged: and condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: release, and ye shall be released:

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