King James Version

What Does Matthew 18:35 Mean?

Matthew 18:35 in the King James Version says “So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their tr...” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 18:35 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus concludes the parable by stating God will not forgive those who don't forgive from the heart. This doesn't earn salvation by works but demonstrates that genuine saving faith produces forgiveness. Reformed theology distinguishes justification (by faith alone) from sanctification (faith producing works). Unforgiveness reveals an unregenerate heart that hasn't truly experienced God's mercy. 'From your hearts' emphasizes sincerity—external forgiveness without internal release of bitterness fails God's standard.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The parable responds to Peter's question about forgiveness limits (18:21-22). Jesus' answer—forgive '70 times 7'—means unlimited forgiveness. The unmerciful servant's punishment (18:34) illustrates the Father's treatment of unforgiving believers. This echoes the Lord's Prayer: 'Forgive us...as we forgive' (6:12), making forgiveness both received and extended.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who do you need to forgive from your heart, not just externally?
  2. How does experiencing God's forgiveness enable forgiving others?
  3. What bitterness are you holding that demonstrates spiritual danger?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Οὕτως1 of 20

“Thus”

Houtōs

G3779

thus, so, in this way

καὶ2 of 20

“also”

kai

G2532

and, also, even

ὁ3 of 20

“the”

ho

G3588

the

Πατήρ4 of 20

“Father”

Patēr

G3962

a father

μου5 of 20

“of Me”

mou

G1473

I, me, my

ὁ6 of 20

“the”

ho

G3588

the

οὐράνιος7 of 20

“Heavenly”

ouranios

G3770

heavenly, celestial

ποιήσει8 of 20

“will do”

poiēsei

G4160

to make, do

ὑμῖν9 of 20

“to you”

hymin

G4771

you

ἐὰν10 of 20

“if”

ean

G1437

if

μὴ11 of 20

“not”

mē

G3361

not, lest

ἀφῆτε12 of 20

“you forgive”

aphēte

G863

to send away, forgive

ἕκαστος13 of 20

“each”

hekastos

G1538

each, every

τῷ14 of 20

“the”

tō

G3588

the

ἀδελφῷ15 of 20

“brother”

adelphō

G80

a brother

αὐτοῦ16 of 20

“of him”

autou

G846

he, she, it

ἀπὸ17 of 20

“from”

apo

G575

from, away from

τῶν18 of 20

“the”

tōn

G3588

the

καρδιῶν19 of 20

“hearts”

kardiōn

G2588

the heart

ὑμῶν20 of 20

“of you”

hymōn

G4771

you

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 18:35 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 18:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 6:14-15James 2:13Luke 6:37-38Mark 11:25Matthew 6:12Proverbs 21:2

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