King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:23 Mean?

Matthew 18:23 in the King James Version says “Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 18:23 · KJV


Context

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.

25

But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Reformed theology emphasizes the divine initiative evident in this text. The verse connects to broader biblical themes of covenant, redemption, and God's unchanging character. Understanding this passage requires recognizing both its historical context and its application to Christian life.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting involved complex religious and political dynamics. Jewish leaders maintained authority through Roman tolerance while common people sought deliverance. Jesus' teaching addressed both immediate concerns and eternal truths.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this passage challenge your understanding of God's character?
  2. What practical application does this truth have in your daily walk?
  3. How should this verse shape your priorities and decisions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
Διὰ1 of 17

Therefore

G1223

through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)

τοῦτο2 of 17
G5124

that thing

ὡμοιώθη3 of 17

likened

G3666

to assimilate, i.e., compare; passively, to become similar

4 of 17
G3588

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

βασιλεία5 of 17

is the kingdom

G932

properly, royalty, i.e., (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or figuratively)

τῶν6 of 17
G3588

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

οὐρανῶν7 of 17

of heaven

G3772

the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)

ἀνθρώπῳ8 of 17

unto a certain

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

βασιλεῖ9 of 17

king

G935

a sovereign (abstractly, relatively, or figuratively)

ὃς10 of 17

which

G3739

the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that

ἠθέλησεν11 of 17

would

G2309

to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),

συνᾶραι12 of 17

take

G4868

to make up together, i.e., (figuratively) to compute (an account)

λόγον13 of 17

account

G3056

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

μετὰ14 of 17

of

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν15 of 17
G3588

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

δούλων16 of 17

servants

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτοῦ17 of 17
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


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 18:23 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 18:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study