Matthew 6:15
What does Matthew 6:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Matthew 6:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Matthew 6:15 means
This verse serves as a solemn warning, presenting the inverse of the principle stated in the previous verse. Jesus makes it clear that if individuals refuse to forgive those who have trespassed against them, then their Heavenly Father will likewise withhold forgiveness for their own trespasses. This underscores the grave importance of a forgiving spirit, not as a means to earn salvation, but as an essential characteristic of one who truly understands and has received God's mercy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But if you do not let men have forgiveness for their sins, you will not have forgiveness from your Father for your sins.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but if ye may not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But if you will not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive you your offences.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but if ye do not forgive men their offences, neither will your Father forgive your offences.
Context
This verse immediately follows and powerfully reinforces the teaching of verse 14, forming a pair that explains the critical importance of forgiveness from the Lord's Prayer (verse 12). It sharply contrasts with the previous verses by stating the negative consequence of an unforgiving heart. This concludes the focused discussion on prayer and forgiveness, preparing the reader for Jesus' final example of righteous living: fasting.
v.14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
v.15This passage
v.16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may be seen of men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have received their reward.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 18:35
So shall also my heavenly Father do unto you, if ye forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Matthew 6
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Matthew 6.
Devotionals
Devotional
Consider the Lilies
Worry forgets that the same God who clothes the field clothes you.
Devotional
Small Faith, Real Faith
A mustard seed is enough. Not a mountain of certainty — a seed of trust.
Devotional
The Weight We Were Not Built to Carry
Jesus does not promise the absence of burden. He offers an exchange.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About Generosity
The Bible encourages us to be generous with our time, talents, and resources as an act of worship and love.
Topic
Bible Verses About God as Father
Understanding God as our Heavenly Father reveals His loving, protective, and provisionary nature toward His children.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Morning Work Anxiety
Start the workday from a steadier place — verses to pray with coffee.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of the Future
When tomorrow feels heavy — verses for the unknown road ahead.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When Prayer Feels Empty
When the words won't come — scripture for the dry prayer life.