What does Matthew 18:27 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:27 is a verse from the parable of the unforgiving servant, which Jesus tells in response to Peter's question about how many times one should forgive a brother who sins against them.

In this parable, a king decides to settle accounts with his servants.

One servant, who owes a vast amount of money, is unable to pay his debt.

The king initially orders the servant to be sold along with his family and possessions in order to repay the debt.

However, the servant begs for mercy, asking the king for patience and promising to repay everything. The king is moved by the servant's plea and, in an act of compassion, completely forgives the debt.

The literal meaning of the verse is that the servant was released from his obligation; he no longer needed to repay the money he owed. The deeper meaning reflects God's mercy and willingness to forgive sins. It emphasizes the importance of forgiving others as we have been forgiven by God.

The verse teaches about grace, mercy, and the transformative power of forgiveness in human relationships.

Historical Context

The parable is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which was written primarily for a Jewish audience in the 1st century.

It draws on themes from Jewish law and tradition, such as debt repayment and forgiveness.

For the people of that time, debt could lead to severe consequences, including servitude.

Forgiveness of such debts would have been seen as an immeasurable act of kindness.

The parable uses this familiar situation to convey a moral lesson about the kingdom of heaven and the nature of divine forgiveness.

Theological Insights

Different Christian denominations may focus on various theological insights from this verse. For many, it illustrates the nature of God's grace and the Christian imperative to forgive as a reflection of that grace.

It shows the mercy of God which is not deserved but is given freely. Theological discussions might also consider the idea of divine justice, contrasting it with human sense of justice, and how the king's act symbolizes the suspension of the justice system in favor of mercy.

Practical Applications

Practically, this verse can be applied in everyday life by encouraging individuals to show forgiveness and compassion towards others.

It suggests setting aside grievances and absolving others of their wrongdoings, just as the servant's debt was forgiven. It teaches that as we have received leniency and forgiveness, we should also be generous in forgiving others, avoiding bitterness and fostering reconciliation.

Cross-References

• Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
• Luke 17:4: "And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."
• Colossians 3:13: "Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."

Language Study

The key words in the original Greek text for Matthew 18:27 are:

• "σπλαγχνισθεὶς" (splanchnistheis) meaning "moved with compassion." This word conveys a deep, visceral emotion, as the term relates to the inner organs (often regarded as the seat of compassion).
• "ἀφήκεν" (aphēken) translates to "released" or "forgave." This term signifies the canceling of the debt, liberating the servant from his obligation.

Studying the original words emphasizes the emotional depth of the king's compassion and highlights the completeness of the forgiveness granted.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In other ancient cultures, such as Babylonian and Roman societies, strict laws about debt were commonplace, and debt forgiveness was not unheard of but often took the form of debt relief declarations like the practice of "andurarum" in Mesopotamia.

Religious comparisons might look at the Jewish concept of "Yom Kippur" (Day of Atonement) for the forgiveness of sins, and the Jubilee year, where debts were forgiven and slaves freed.

Such practices underscore the parable's theme of release from bondage, whether by debt or sin.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly touch upon scientific matters, contemporary psychological research validates the benefits of forgiveness, including reduced stress and improved mental health.

Studies suggest that practicing forgiveness can lead to better physical health, reduced anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.

From a scientific perspective, the act of forgiving as depicted in this verse is aligned with practices that contribute to overall human well-being.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have provided various interpretations of this parable.

Some emphasize the limitless nature of God's forgiveness, while others warn against taking such grace for granted, as seen in the narrative's continuation where the forgiven servant fails to show the same mercy to another.

Commentators like William Barclay observe that this parable is a reminder that forgiveness is not just a one-time act but a way of life.

The consensus among many theologians is that this verse and the parable challenge believers to emulate God's forgiveness in their own lives, underscoring the reciprocal nature of forgiveness.