King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:12 Mean?

Matthew 6:12 in the King James Version says “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Matthew 6:12 · KJV

Forgiveness

Context

10

Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.

11

Give us this day our daily bread.

12

And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

13

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

14

For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The prayer addresses spiritual debt: 'And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors' (Greek: ἄφες ἡμῖν τὰ ὀφειλήματα ἡμῶν, 'forgive us our debts'). The term 'debts' (ὀφειλήματα) refers to moral obligations unfulfilled - sins are debts owed to God. The petition acknowledges ongoing need for forgiveness, not once-for-all salvation but daily cleansing. The phrase 'as we forgive' is crucial and troubling - it conditions divine forgiveness on human forgiveness. This is not earning salvation but demonstrating genuine repentance. Those who have truly experienced God's forgiveness extend it to others; unforgiveness evidences hardened hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Debt was crushing reality in first-century Palestine, with debtor's prison and debt slavery common. Jesus' parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35) explicitly interprets this petition. Jewish thought recognized both vertical (sins against God) and horizontal (sins against others) dimensions of wrongdoing, requiring both divine and human forgiveness. The Jubilee principle (Leviticus 25) involved debt cancellation every fifty years, prefiguring the complete forgiveness Jesus offers.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing sin as 'debt' shape our understanding of forgiveness as cancellation we cannot repay?
  2. What is the relationship between receiving God's forgiveness and extending forgiveness to others?
  3. Who in your life do you need to forgive as evidence of experiencing God's forgiveness?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
καὶ1 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἀφίεμεν2 of 13

“forgive”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

ἡμῖν3 of 13

“us”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

τὰ4 of 13
G3588

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

ὀφειλήματα5 of 13

“debts”

G3783

something owed, i.e., (figuratively) a due; morally, a fault

ἡμῶν·6 of 13

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

ὡς7 of 13
G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

καὶ8 of 13

“And”

G2532

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

ἡμεῖς9 of 13

“we”

G2249

we (only used when emphatic)

ἀφίεμεν10 of 13

“forgive”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τοῖς11 of 13
G3588

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

ὀφειλέταις12 of 13

“debtors”

G3781

an ower, i.e., person indebted; figuratively, a delinquent; morally, a transgressor (against god)

ἡμῶν·13 of 13

“our”

G2257

of (or from) us

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 6:12 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 6:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 4:32Mark 11:25Ephesians 1:7Matthew 18:21-35Colossians 3:131 John 1:7-9

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