King James Version

What Does Matthew 6:14 Mean?

Matthew 6:14 in the King James Version says “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: — study this verse from Matthew chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Matthew 6:14 · KJV


Context

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:

15

But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16

Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Jesus immediately expounds on the forgiveness petition: 'For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you' (Greek: ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν, 'will also forgive you'). This conditional statement underscores the connection between divine and human forgiveness. 'Trespasses' (παραπτώματα) means 'false steps' or 'falling aside.' The logic is not merit-based - we don't earn God's forgiveness by forgiving others. Rather, forgiving others demonstrates we understand and have received God's forgiveness. Unforgiveness reveals hard hearts unchanged by grace. Those truly forgiven become forgiving people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This principle appears repeatedly in Jesus' teaching (Matthew 18:23-35, Mark 11:25). Early Christian communities faced tension requiring mutual forgiveness (Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32). In honor-shame cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, forgiveness was countercultural - honor demanded revenge for wrongs. Jesus establishes forgiveness as non-negotiable kingdom ethic. Jewish thought recognized the importance of forgiveness (Sirach 28:2), but Jesus radically intensifies and universalizes it.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does our willingness to forgive others reveal the genuineness of our experience of God's forgiveness?
  2. What is the difference between forgiving someone and trusting them or removing consequences?
  3. How can we forgive when we don't 'feel' forgiving toward someone who has wronged us?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 16 words
Ἐὰν1 of 16

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

γὰρ2 of 16

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ἀφήσει3 of 16

forgive

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τοῖς4 of 16
G3588

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

ἀνθρώποις5 of 16

men

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

τὰ6 of 16
G3588

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

παραπτώματα7 of 16

trespasses

G3900

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

αὐτῶν8 of 16

their

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

ἀφήσει9 of 16

forgive

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

καὶ10 of 16

will also

G2532

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

ὑμῖν11 of 16

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

12 of 16
G3588

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

πατὴρ13 of 16

Father

G3962

a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)

ὑμῶν14 of 16

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

15 of 16
G3588

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

οὐράνιος·16 of 16

heavenly

G3770

celestial, i.e., belonging to or coming from the sky


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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study