New Testament
Matthew 18:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged, 'Please, be patient with me! I'll pay you back!'
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And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
What Matthew 18:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, a fellow servant pleads for mercy from a man who has just been forgiven a large debt. He falls to his knees, showing desperation and humility, and asks for patience, promising to repay the debt. This moment highlights the human tendency to seek forgiveness while often failing to extend the same grace to others. The plea for patience reflects a deep understanding of one's own shortcomings and the hope for compassion in return. The context of this verse is crucial, as it follows a parable about forgiveness, illustrating the importance of mercy in relationships. The fellow servant's situation mirrors our own need for forgiveness from God, emphasizing that we should also forgive those who wrong us. This interaction serves as a reminder of the grace we receive and the obligation to share that grace with others, reinforcing the message that forgiveness is a two-way street.
How to apply Matthew 18:29 to your life
When someone wrongs us, we should remember our own need for forgiveness. Instead of holding grudges, we can choose to extend grace and patience, just as we hope to receive it. This practice fosters healthier relationships and reflects our understanding of God's mercy.
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 18:29 mean?
Matthew 18:29 depicts a fellow servant pleading for mercy after being unable to repay a debt. This moment emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and compassion, as it follows a parable about extending grace to others.
What is the significance of patience in Matthew 18:29?
In Matthew 18:29, the plea for patience highlights the human desire for understanding and mercy. It serves as a reminder that just as we seek patience from others, we should also be willing to offer it.
What does the term 'fellow servant' imply in Matthew 18:29?
The term 'fellow servant' in Matthew 18:29 indicates a shared status among servants, suggesting that we are all in similar positions regarding our debts and need for forgiveness. It underscores the idea of mutual responsibility in relationships.
How does Matthew 18:29 relate to forgiveness?
Matthew 18:29 illustrates the theme of forgiveness by showing a servant who has been forgiven a large debt yet struggles to forgive a smaller one. This interaction emphasizes the necessity of extending the same grace we receive from others.
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