What does Matthew 18:31 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:31 speaks to the emotional reaction of the servants upon witnessing the injustice carried out by their fellow servant.

Prior to this verse, Jesus tells a parable of a servant who, having been forgiven a massive debt by his master, refuses to show similar mercy to another servant who owes him a much smaller sum.

This unmerciful servant has the debtor thrown into prison until he can pay the debt.

When the other servants see this harsh action, they are saddened, and they go to their lord to report what has happened.

The deeper meaning here hinges on themes of forgiveness and accountability within a community.

The upset of the fellow servants reflects the disturbance of community harmony brought about by unforgiveness, and their action illustrates the principle that such behavior should not go unaddressed.

Historical Context

This verse is part of a parable taught by Jesus during his ministry, roughly in 30 A.D., in the context of a Jewish society under Roman occupation.

Parables were a common teaching method employed by rabbis to convey moral and spiritual lessons.

In Jewish tradition, debt often metaphorically represented sin, and forgiveness of debt was thus akin to forgiveness of sin.

The cultural expectation at the time included showing mercy to others as one had been shown mercy, which is the central tenet violated by the unforgiving servant in the parable.

Theological Insights

This verse reflects several theological standpoints:

1. God's Mercy: God's willingness to forgive human sin is depicted through the master's forgiveness of the servant's large debt.
2. Human Unforgiveness: The harsh nature of the unforgiving servant points to human inability or unwillingness to extend forgiveness to others, even when they have received it themselves.
3. Community Responsibility: The fellow servants' reaction suggests a communal responsibility to uphold justice and righteousness.

Different theological traditions might emphasize various aspects of the parable, such as the importance of emulating God's mercy (a view common in Christian ethics) or the social implications of sin and forgiveness (often discussed in liberation theology).

Practical Applications

From Matthew 18:31, several practical applications emerge:

1. Empathy: Be aware of the impact of your actions on others, and strive to empathize with those affected by injustice.
2. Accountability: If you witness wrongdoing, there is a moral duty to speak up and seek to rectify the situation.
3. Community: Endeavor to promote harmony and forgiveness within your community to maintain healthy relationships.

Cross-References

• Matthew 18:23-35 (The entire parable of the unmerciful servant)
• 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 17:3 - "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, 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

In the original Greek text of this verse, the word for "sorry" is "λυπέω" (lupeō), which can connote a deep sadness or distress.

The phrase "fellow servants" is translated from "σύνδουλοι" (syndouloi), indicating not just co-workers but those who share a bond, reflecting the sense of community among them.

"Told" comes from "διηγέομαι" (diēgeomai), suggesting a detailed recounting or narration of events.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The theme of forgiveness in Matthew 18:31 has parallels in various cultural and religious traditions.

In Judaism, the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) emphasizes communal forgiveness.

In Buddhism, forgiveness and compassion are key virtues.

The parable itself echoes older wisdom literature that can be found in various cultures, where failings in showing leniency and mercy by those who have been granted it are commonly admonished.

Scientific Perspectives

Scientifically, the response of sorrow by the servants can be linked to the concept of empathy, which has been studied in psychology and neuroscience.

Research suggests that humans are wired to respond emotionally to the suffering of others, and this empathic distress can lead to altruistic behavior, which is echoed in the servants' decision to report the injustice to their master.

commentaries

Various biblical scholars and commentators have offered interpretations of Matthew 18:31:

1. John Calvin interprets this as a demonstration of divine justice, where the servants do rightly in reporting the matter to their lord.
2. William Barclay suggests that the parable teaches the impossibility of measuring the extent of God's forgiveness and the petty nature of human disputes when contrasted with divine grace.
3. **Craig S.

Keener,** in his commentary, focuses on the social disruption caused by the unforgiving servant’s lack of mercy, as reflected in the sorrow of the other servants.