What does Matthew 18:34 mean?

Explanation

Matthew 18:34 deals with the conclusion of a parable told by Jesus about forgiveness and mercy; it is known as the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. In this parable, a king forgives an enormous debt owed to him by one of his servants.

However, that same servant refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him by a fellow servant. When the king finds out, he is angered by the servant's lack of mercy and orders him to be punished until he can repay his original, larger debt.

This verse reflects the literal action taken by the lord (king) against his servant. On a deeper level, it symbolizes the spiritual consequences of being unforgiving and suggests that one's forgiveness from God is linked to their willingness to forgive others.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Gospel of Matthew, which was likely written between AD 80 and 90.

The audience for Matthew's Gospel was primarily Jewish Christians.

The historical context involves both the early Christian community's efforts to determine the nature of forgiveness and the broader Jewish tradition of storytelling.

Jesus frequently used parables to convey moral and spiritual lessons that were accessible and relatable to his listeners.

The expectation of mercy and forgiveness was connected to the Jewish concept of God's covenant with Israel, which emphasized mercy and pardon.

Theological Insights

The verse conveys a theological insight that God's forgiveness of sins is contingent upon one's own willingness to forgive. It stresses the importance of reciprocity in God's dealings with humanity.

From a traditional Christian viewpoint, the verse is commonly interpreted as a warning about the final judgment and the obligation to practice forgiveness in order to receive it from God.

Another theological perspective that can be considered is the concept of divine justice.

Some theologians may argue that the parable and this concluding verse illustrate the justice of God - that those who refuse to extend mercy can expect justice rather than mercy in their own judgment.

Practical Applications

The teaching of this verse can be practically applied in a person's life through acts of forgiveness and reconciliation.

It underscores the importance of empathy, the imperative to forgive debts or grievances, and the cultivation of humility.

It also serves as a reminder that holding onto grudges or seeking revenge can lead to personal torment, perhaps not in a physical sense, but in the emotional and spiritual turmoil that can come from bitterness and resentment.

Cross-References

• Matthew 6:14-15: "For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
• Luke 17:3-4: "Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

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."

Language Study

In analyzing the key words in the original Greek:

• "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios) can mean master or one who has authority.
• "Wroth" (ὀργισθείς, orgistheis) is the aorist passive participle of the verb "to be angry."
• "Tormentors" (βασανισταίς, basanistais) can mean jailers or torturers, denoting one who elicits truth through torture or severe discomfort.

A deeper study reveals that the tormentors could be seen both as agents of discipline and as symbols of the inner torment one experiences when failing to forgive.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Jesus' use of the parable genre was in line with other Jewish rabbis of the time, who often taught moral lessons through stories.

Within the broader context of ancient literature, stories that emphasized moral lessons, such as Aesop's fables or parables within Buddhist traditions, also sought to impart wisdom through accessible narratives.

The theme of reciprocity seen in this verse has parallels in the ethical concept known as the Golden Rule, which is found in various forms across many cultures and religions.

Scientific Perspectives

From a modern scientific perspective, particularly in the fields of psychology and neuroscience, the act of forgiveness has been studied for its effects on mental and overall health. Research suggests that forgiveness can lead to reduced stress, lower levels of depression, and better heart health.

The concept of being delivered to "tormentors" could metaphorically align with the negative physiological impacts of holding onto anger and resentment.

Commentaries

Commentators have provided various interpretations of this verse over the centuries.

In general, they emphasize the gravity of the warning Jesus makes regarding the need to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Matthew Henry's Commentary, for instance, focuses on the great mercy shown by the lord initially and the severe justice that follows when that mercy is not imitated by the servant.

John Calvin's commentary highlights the severity of the punishment as a warning not to presume upon God's kindness, suggesting that an unforgiving spirit evidences a heart not truly touched by grace.

Modern commentaries might also bring out the psychological and relational nuances of the parable, such as the destructive consequences of an unforgiving heart.