New Testament
Matthew 18:21
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Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to 7 times?"
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Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
What Matthew 18:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Peter approaches Jesus with a question about forgiveness, suggesting that forgiving someone seven times might be sufficient. This reflects a common understanding of forgiveness at the time, where limits were often placed on how many times one should forgive. However, Peter's question reveals a desire to understand the nature of forgiveness more deeply. Jesus' response, which follows this verse, emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited to a specific number, indicating that true forgiveness is boundless. This teaching challenges the conventional wisdom of the day and encourages believers to adopt a more generous and compassionate attitude towards those who wrong them. It highlights the importance of forgiveness in relationships and the need to reflect God's grace in our interactions with others. Ultimately, this verse sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the nature of forgiveness and the expectations of those who follow Christ.
How to apply Matthew 18:21 to your life
In our daily lives, we should strive to forgive others without keeping count. This means letting go of grudges and practicing empathy, understanding that everyone makes mistakes. By doing so, we reflect God's love and grace in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Peter's story: “How Many Times Shall I Forgive?” (Matthew 18:21–35)
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Peter
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 18:21 mean?
Matthew 18:21 captures a moment where Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive someone who wrongs him, suggesting seven times. This reflects a common belief in setting limits on forgiveness, but Jesus' subsequent teaching emphasizes that forgiveness should be limitless.
What is the meaning of forgiveness in Matthew 18:21?
In Matthew 18:21, forgiveness is presented as an essential aspect of relationships, highlighting that it should not be confined to a specific number of times. Jesus encourages a mindset of boundless forgiveness, urging believers to embody compassion and grace.
How does Matthew 18:21 relate to daily life?
Matthew 18:21 encourages individuals to forgive others without keeping track of offenses. In daily life, this means letting go of grudges and practicing empathy, which reflects God's love and grace in our interactions.
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