New Testament
Matthew 18:32
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The king summoned the servant and said, 'You wicked servant! I forgave your entire debt because you begged me to.
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Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
What Matthew 18:32 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the king confronts a servant who has just been forgiven a massive debt. The king calls him 'wicked' because, despite receiving such mercy, the servant fails to show the same kindness to someone who owes him a much smaller amount. This highlights the expectation that those who have received forgiveness should extend it to others. The king's anger reflects the seriousness of the servant's lack of compassion. It serves as a reminder that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a continual practice that should flow from our own experiences of grace. The king's words emphasize the moral obligation to forgive others, especially when we have been forgiven ourselves. This moment illustrates the disconnect between receiving mercy and giving it, urging us to reflect on our own actions and attitudes towards forgiveness in our relationships.
How to apply Matthew 18:32 to your life
This verse challenges us to reflect on our own willingness to forgive others. If we have experienced forgiveness in our lives, we are called to extend that same grace to those who wrong us. Practicing forgiveness can lead to healing and restoration 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 18:32 mean?
Matthew 18:32 shows a king confronting a servant who, after being forgiven a large debt, fails to forgive a smaller debt owed to him. This highlights the expectation that those who receive forgiveness should also extend it to others.
What is the meaning of 'wicked servant' in Matthew 18:32?
The term 'wicked servant' refers to someone who, despite receiving mercy, chooses not to show the same kindness to others. It emphasizes the moral failure of not reciprocating forgiveness.
How does Matthew 18:32 relate to forgiveness?
Matthew 18:32 emphasizes that forgiveness is a two-way street; having received grace, we are expected to offer it to others. It highlights the consequences of failing to do so.
What lesson can we learn from Matthew 18:32?
The lesson from Matthew 18:32 is that we must practice forgiveness in our lives. It encourages us to reflect on our actions and ensure we are not hypocritical in our dealings with others.
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