King James Version
What Does Matthew 6:15 Mean?
“But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Context
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.
17
But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary**6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet--**a place of retirement.
**and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly--**Of course, it is not the simple publicity of prayer which is here condemned. It may be offered in any circumstances, however open, if not prompted by the spirit of ostentation, but dictated by the great ends of prayer itself. It is the retiring character of true prayer which is here taught.
Supplementary Directions and Model Prayer (Mt 6:7-15).
Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset, David Brown. Public Domain.
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 6:15 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 6:15
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge