King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:22 Mean?

Matthew 18:22 in the King James Version says “Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

Matthew 18:22 · KJV


Context

20

For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

21

Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24

And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. talents: a talent is 750.ounces of silver, which after five shillings the ounce is 187.li. 10.s.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus' command to forgive 'Until seventy times seven' establishes unlimited forgiveness as the kingdom standard. This isn't literal (491st offense is unforgivable!) but hyperbolic—stop counting and keep forgiving. The number echoes Genesis 4:24 (Lamech's unlimited vengeance), transforming vengeance into forgiveness. This impossible standard highlights that we can't forgive like this apart from experiencing God's infinite forgiveness ourselves. The following parable (vv. 23-35) reinforces this.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Rabbinical law required forgiving three times; Peter's seven seemed generous. Jesus' 'seventy times seven' (or 'seventy-seven') removes all limits. This doesn't mean enabling sin but extending grace repeatedly. The command reflects God's character—He keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgives fully and continually through Christ.

Reflection Questions

  1. What hurt are you keeping score of rather than forgiving unlimitedly?
  2. How does Jesus' impossible standard reveal your need for God's grace to forgive?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
λέγω1 of 13

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

αὐτῷ2 of 13

unto 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

3 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἰησοῦς4 of 13

Jesus

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Οὐ5 of 13

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

λέγω6 of 13

I say

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

σοι7 of 13

unto thee

G4671

to thee

ἕως8 of 13

Until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἑπτάκις9 of 13

seven times

G2034

seven times

ἀλλ'10 of 13

but

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

ἕως11 of 13

Until

G2193

a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)

ἑβδομηκοντάκις12 of 13

seventy times

G1441

seventy times

ἑπτά13 of 13

seven

G2033

seven


Study Guide

Historical Context

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

Theological Significance

Matthew 18:22 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 Matthew 18:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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