King James Version

What Does Luke 7:42 Mean?

Luke 7:42 in the King James Version says “And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?” — study this verse from Luke chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?”

Luke 7:42 · KJV

Love

Context

40

And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on.

41

There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42

And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?

43

Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.

44

And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The outcome: 'And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both' (Greek 'mē echontōn autōn apodounai, amphoterois echarisato'). The verb 'echarisato' (forgave) relates to 'charis' (grace)—freely given, undeserved favor. Neither debtor earned or merited forgiveness; both received it as pure grace. This is gospel essence—justification by grace through faith, not works. Romans 3:23-24 states 'all have sinned... being justified freely by his grace.' The equal treatment—both forgiven despite different debt amounts—shows that salvation is equally gracious for all, whether one's pre-conversion sins were 'respectable' or notorious. Reformed theology emphasizes that all salvation is 100% grace, 0% merit.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Debt forgiveness was rare in ancient economy—creditors had legal right to full repayment. Jubilee year (Leviticus 25) included debt forgiveness, but this was exceptional. The parable's 'frankly forgave' (freely, graciously forgave) emphasizes the gift's unexpectedness. For first-century audiences, the scenario was economically unrealistic, highlighting that it illustrated spiritual reality—God's grace exceeds human patterns. Early church preached this radical grace, scandalizing both Jews (who emphasized law-keeping) and Gentiles (who emphasized philosophical virtue).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding forgiveness as pure grace (not earned or deserved) transform our relationship with God?
  2. Why is it important that both debtors received equal forgiveness despite different debt amounts?
  3. How should the graciousness of our forgiveness affect how we forgive others?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
μὴ1 of 14

“nothing”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἐχόντων2 of 14

“had”

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

δὲ3 of 14

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτόν4 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀποδοῦναι5 of 14

“to pay”

G591

to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)

ἀμφοτέροις6 of 14

“them both”

G297

(in plural) both

ἐχαρίσατο7 of 14

“he frankly forgave”

G5483

to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue

τίς8 of 14

“which”

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

οὖν9 of 14

“therefore”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

αὐτόν10 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

εἶπὲ,11 of 14

“Tell me”

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

πλεῖον12 of 14

“most”

G4119

more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion

αὐτόν13 of 14

“him”

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἀγαπήσει14 of 14

“will love”

G25

to love (in a social or moral sense)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Luke. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Luke 7:42 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Luke 7:42 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 43:25Ephesians 4:32Romans 3:24Psalms 103:3Psalms 32:1-5Psalms 51:1-3

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