King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:29 Mean?

Matthew 18:29 in the King James Version says “And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 18:29 · KJV

Context

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.

30

And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31

So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all—the identical words and posture the first servant used (v. 26). This deliberate repetition heightens the tragedy: the forgiven servant heard his own plea echoed back but remained unmoved. The parallel language creates dramatic irony—readers recognize what the wicked servant ignores: he's recreating the exact scenario from which he just escaped.

The Greek parekalei (παρεκάλει, 'besought') indicates earnest pleading. Unlike the first servant's impossible promise (10,000 talents), this debt was actually payable given time. The fellow servant sought what the first servant received: makrothymia (μακροθυμία, 'patience, forbearance'). Yet the forgiven servant couldn't extend the minor grace he'd received in infinite measure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In Mediterranean honor-shame culture, suppliant postures (falling at feet, public pleading) created social obligation for the superior to show mercy, especially in front of witnesses. The wicked servant's refusal would be recognized as shameful—violating expected reciprocity. His behavior publicly dishonors himself while exposing his ingratitude for his own cancelled debt.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you heard your own words of excuse or self-justification from someone seeking your forgiveness, yet still withheld mercy?
  2. How does withholding forgiveness reveal that you haven't truly internalized the magnitude of forgiveness you've received from God?
  3. What makes a payable debt (100 denarii) seem too large to forgive when you've been forgiven an impossible one (10,000 talents)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
πεσὼν1 of 19

“fell down”

G4098

to fall (literally or figuratively)

οὖν2 of 19

“And”

G3767

(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly

ὁ3 of 19
G3588

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

σύνδουλος4 of 19

“fellowservant”

G4889

a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)

αὐτὸν5 of 19

“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

εὶς6 of 19

“at”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τοὺς7 of 19
G3588

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

πόδας8 of 19

“feet”

G4228

a "foot" (figuratively or literally)

αὐτὸν9 of 19

“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

παρεκάλει10 of 19

“and besought”

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτὸν11 of 19

“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

λέγων,12 of 19

“saying”

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

Μακροθύμησον13 of 19

“Have patience”

G3114

to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient

ἐπ'14 of 19

“with”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

ἐμοί15 of 19

“me”

G1698

to me

καὶ16 of 19

“and”

G2532

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

πάντα17 of 19

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

ἀποδώσω18 of 19

“I will pay”

G591

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

σοι19 of 19

“thee”

G4671

to thee

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 18:29 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 18:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 18:26Matthew 6:12Philemon 1:18-19

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