New Testament
Matthew 18:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But that same servant went out and found a fellow servant who owed him 100 denarii. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay me what you owe!'
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But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
What Matthew 18:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a servant who has just been forgiven a massive debt goes out and confronts a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. Instead of showing the same mercy he received, he aggressively demands payment, even resorting to violence by grabbing the other servant by the throat. This action highlights the hypocrisy of the first servant, who fails to extend the grace he was given. The contrast between the large debt he was forgiven and the small debt owed to him emphasizes the importance of mercy and forgiveness in relationships. It serves as a reminder that we should treat others with the same kindness we hope to receive, especially when we have been shown great mercy ourselves. This moment sets the stage for the larger lesson about forgiveness that Jesus is teaching in this parable.
How to apply Matthew 18:28 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on how we treat others, especially when we have received forgiveness ourselves. It encourages us to practice mercy and compassion, rather than holding grudges or demanding repayment for wrongs done to us. We should strive to emulate the grace we've been given.
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 18:28 teach about forgiveness?
Matthew 18:28 illustrates the importance of extending forgiveness to others. The servant, who was forgiven a large debt, fails to show the same mercy to a fellow servant who owes him a much smaller amount. This highlights the hypocrisy of not practicing the forgiveness we have received, emphasizing that we should treat others with the same grace we hope to receive.
Why did the servant grab his fellow servant by the throat?
The servant's act of grabbing his fellow servant by the throat symbolizes aggression and a lack of compassion. Instead of showing understanding and mercy, he resorts to violence to demand repayment. This behavior starkly contrasts with the mercy he just received, illustrating the dangers of hypocrisy and the failure to forgive others.
What is the significance of the 100 denarii debt?
The 100 denarii debt represents a relatively small amount compared to the massive debt the first servant was forgiven. This contrast serves to emphasize the lesson that we often hold others accountable for minor offenses while forgetting the grace we've received for our own significant wrongs. It challenges us to reconsider our attitudes towards forgiveness.
How can we apply the lesson of Matthew 18:28 in our lives?
We can apply the lesson of Matthew 18:28 by actively practicing forgiveness and mercy in our relationships. When we feel wronged, it's important to remember the grace we've been shown and to let go of grudges. This verse encourages us to respond with compassion rather than aggression, fostering healthier and more forgiving interactions with others.
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