King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:34 Mean?

Matthew 18:34 in the King James Version says “And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.”

Matthew 18:34 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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:

33

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34

And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35

So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

Read Matthew 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And his lord was wroth (ὀργισθεὶς ὁ κύριος αὐτοῦ, orgistheis ho kyrios autou)—righteous anger, the Greek orgizō indicating justified wrath against covenant violation. The same lord previously 'moved with compassion' (v. 27) now burns with anger—not contradiction but appropriate response to abused grace. This reveals God's character: mercy to the repentant, wrath toward those who trample grace underfoot (Heb 10:29).

Delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him (παρέδωκεν αὐτὸν τοῖς βασανισταῖς, paredōken auton tois basanistais)—'handed him over to the torturers.' The term basanistēs refers to those who extract payment through torture (possibly torturing until family pays, or legal torturers). The phrase 'till he should pay all' signals impossible fulfillment—the 10,000 talent debt remained unpayable, making his torment effectively permanent. This pictures the eternal conscious punishment of those who reject grace.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Roman legal practice permitted torture of slaves to extract testimony or information about hidden assets. Some interpret basanistēs as prison guards authorized to use harsh methods to motivate payment. Regardless, the term evokes severe suffering and the impossibility of escape—the reinstated debt, never fully payable, ensures unending punishment.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the lord's righteous anger toward abused grace inform your understanding of divine justice alongside divine mercy?
  2. What does the impossibility of paying 'all that was due' after grace is withdrawn teach about the finality of judgment?
  3. How should this warning about torment for unforgiveness motivate you to examine whether you've truly forgiven from your heart (v. 35)?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
καὶ1 of 16

“And”

G2532

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

ὀργισθεὶς2 of 16

“was wroth”

G3710

to provoke or enrage, i.e., (passively) become exasperated

ὁ3 of 16
G3588

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

κύριος4 of 16

“lord”

G2962

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

αὐτῷ5 of 16

“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

παρέδωκεν6 of 16

“and delivered”

G3860

to surrender, i.e yield up, entrust, transmit

αὐτῷ7 of 16

“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

τοῖς8 of 16
G3588

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

βασανισταῖς9 of 16

“to the tormentors”

G930

a torturer

ἕως10 of 16

“till”

G2193

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

οὗ11 of 16
G3739

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

ἀποδῷ12 of 16

“he should pay”

G591

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

πᾶν13 of 16

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

τὸ14 of 16
G3588

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

ὀφειλόμενον15 of 16

“that was due”

G3784

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

αὐτῷ16 of 16

“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 18:34 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 18:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 5:25-26James 2:13Luke 12:58-592 Thessalonians 1:8-9Matthew 18:30Revelation 14:10-11

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