King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:30 Mean?

Matthew 18:30 in the King James Version says “And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 18:30 · KJV

Context

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.

32

Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he would not (ὁ δὲ οὐκ ἤθελεν, ho de ouk ēthelen)—emphatic refusal. The Greek construction stresses willful rejection: 'but he kept refusing.' Not inability but hard-hearted unwillingness characterizes this servant. This decisiveness contrasts with the lord's compassion (v. 27)—one moved by visceral mercy, the other unmoved by pleading.

But went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt (ἔβαλεν αὐτὸν εἰς φυλακήν, ebalen auton eis phylakēn)—debt-prison, where debtors remained until family/friends secured payment. The verb ballō (βάλλω, 'cast, throw') suggests violent action. Ironically, imprisoning the debtor prevented him from earning wages to repay—making release virtually impossible without outside intervention. This models unforgiveness: imprisoning others in their sins prevents restoration and reconciliation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Debt-imprisonment was common in Roman and Jewish legal practice (Mt 5:25-26). Unlike modern bankruptcy, ancient debtors had no discharge process—they remained confined indefinitely unless someone paid their debt. Families often sold possessions or themselves into slavery to ransom imprisoned relatives. Prison conditions were harsh: dark, unsanitary, often no food provided (family/friends had to supply it).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does imprisoning the debtor (preventing him from earning repayment) mirror how unforgiveness entraps both the offender and yourself?
  2. What does willful refusal to forgive ('he would not') reveal about your spiritual condition and understanding of grace?
  3. How do you imprison others through unforgiveness, requiring them to 'pay debts' of repeated apology, penance, or probation?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 15 words
ὁ1 of 15
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 15

“And”

G1161

but, and, etc

οὐκ3 of 15

“not”

G3756

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

ἤθελεν4 of 15

“he would”

G2309

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

ἀλλὰ5 of 15

“but”

G235

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

ἀπελθὼν6 of 15

“went”

G565

to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively

ἔβαλεν7 of 15

“and cast”

G906

to throw (in various applications, more or less violent or intense)

αὐτὸν8 of 15

“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

εἰς9 of 15

“into”

G1519

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

φυλακὴν10 of 15

“prison”

G5438

a guarding or (concretely, guard), the act, the person; figuratively, the place, the condition, or (specially), the time (as a division of day or nigh

ἕως11 of 15

“till”

G2193

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

οὗ12 of 15
G3739

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

ἀποδῷ13 of 15

“he should pay”

G591

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

τὸ14 of 15
G3588

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

ὀφειλόμενον15 of 15

“the debt”

G3784

to owe (pecuniarily); figuratively, to be under obligation (ought, must, should); morally, to fail in duty

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 18:30 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 18:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Kings 22:271 Kings 21:27-29

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