King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:27 Mean?

Matthew 18:27 in the King James Version says “Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.”

Matthew 18:27 · KJV

Context

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.

26

The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. worshipped him: or, besought him

27

Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28

But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. pence: the Roman penny is the eighth part of an ounce, which after five shillings the ounce is seven pence halfpenny; about fourteen cents

29

And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion (σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος, splanchnistheis de ho kyrios)—the Greek splanchnizomai denotes visceral compassion, literally 'bowels moved,' indicating profound emotional mercy. This word appears repeatedly in the Gospels describing Jesus (Mt 9:36, 14:14, 15:32), revealing God's character: mercy flows from His nature, not the debtor's merit.

Loosed him, and forgave him the debt (ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ)—total, unconditional forgiveness. The lord didn't accept the payment plan; he aphēken (ἀφῆκεν, 'released, sent away') the entire debt. This pictures justification: God doesn't make salvation easier or extend the deadline—He cancels the debt completely through Christ's substitutionary atonement (Col 2:13-14). Reformed theology emphasizes this sovereign, unilateral divine action in salvation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Debt forgiveness by royal decree was occasionally practiced by Hellenistic monarchs as acts of beneficence (often at accession or after military victory). However, forgiving such a massive sum would be economically devastating, making this parable's generosity deliberately shocking. It illustrates grace's costliness—God absorbs the debt Himself rather than demanding payment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lord's compassion arising from his own character (not the servant's worthiness) reflect the doctrine of unconditional election?
  2. What did God's forgiveness cost Him, since debts don't simply disappear but must be paid by someone?
  3. How should receiving complete debt cancellation (not merely payment plans) transform your gratitude and obedience?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 14 words
σπλαγχνισθεὶς1 of 14

“was moved with compassion”

G4697

to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity

δὲ2 of 14

“Then”

G1161

but, and, etc

ὁ3 of 14
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 14

“the lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

τοῦ5 of 14
G3588

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

δούλου6 of 14

“servant”

G1401

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

ἐκείνου7 of 14

“of that”

G1565

that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed

ἀπέλυσεν8 of 14

“loosed”

G630

to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce

αὐτῷ9 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

καὶ10 of 14

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ11 of 14
G3588

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

δάνειον12 of 14

“the debt”

G1156

probably akin to the base of g1325; a loan

ἀφῆκεν13 of 14

“forgave”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

αὐτῷ14 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

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 18:27 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 18:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 145:8Nehemiah 9:17Hosea 11:8Psalms 86:15Psalms 86:5Judges 10:16

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