Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” New Living Translation Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” English Standard Version Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Berean Standard Bible Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Berean Literal Bible Then Peter having come, said to Him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?" King James Bible Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? New King James Version Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” New American Standard Bible Then Peter came up and said to Him, “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” NASB 1995 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” NASB 1977 Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Legacy Standard Bible Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Amplified Bible Then Peter came to Him and asked, “Lord, how many times will my brother sin against me and I forgive him and let it go? Up to seven times?” Christian Standard Bible Then Peter approached him and asked, “Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? As many as seven times? ” Holman Christian Standard Bible Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” American Standard Version Then came Peter and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Contemporary English Version Peter came up to the Lord and asked, "How many times should I forgive someone who does something wrong to me? Is seven times enough?" English Revised Version Then came Peter, and said to him, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Peter came to Jesus and asked him, "Lord, how often do I have to forgive a believer who wrongs me? Seven times?" Good News Translation Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times?" International Standard Version Then Peter came up and asked him, "Lord, how many times may my brother sin against me and I have to forgive him? Seven times?" Majority Standard Bible Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ?Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?? NET Bible Then Peter came to him and said, "Lord, how many times must I forgive my brother who sins against me? As many as seven times?" New Heart English Bible Then Peter came to him and said, "Lord, how often can my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" Webster's Bible Translation Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Weymouth New Testament At this point Peter came to Him with the question, "Master, how often shall my brother act wrongly towards me and I forgive him? seven times?" World English Bible Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionThen Peter having come near to Him, said, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him—until seven times?” Berean Literal Bible Then Peter having come, said to Him, "Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I will forgive him? Up to seven times?" Young's Literal Translation Then Peter having come near to him, said, 'Sir, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him -- till seven times?' Smith's Literal Translation Then Peter, having come to him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I let him go? Till seven times? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen came Peter unto him and said: Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Catholic Public Domain Version Then Peter, drawing near to him, said: “Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Even seven times?” New American Bible Then Peter approaching asked him, “Lord, if my brother sins against me, how often must I forgive him? As many as seven times?” New Revised Standard Version Then Peter came and said to him, “Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Peter came up and said to him, My Lord, if my brother is at fault with me, how many times should I forgive him? up to seven times? Aramaic Bible in Plain English Then Kaypha approached him, and he said, “My Lord, “If my brother commits an offense against me, how many times shall I forgive him? Seven times?” NT Translations Anderson New TestamentThen Peter came to him, and said: Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Till seven times? Godbey New Testament Then Peter, coming to Him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Haweis New Testament Then Peter coming to him, said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Mace New Testament Then Peter advancing to him, said, Lord, if my brother injures me, how many injuries must I forgive him? must I forgive him seven? Weymouth New Testament At this point Peter came to Him with the question, "Master, how often shall my brother act wrongly towards me and I forgive him? seven times?" Worrell New Testament Then Peter, coming near, said to Him, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?" Worsley New Testament Then Peter came to Him and said, Lord, how often shall my brother offend against me, and I forgive him? to seven times? Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Unforgiving Servant20For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” 21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” 22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times!… Cross References Luke 17:3-4 Watch yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. / Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.” Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you. Colossians 3:13 Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Mark 11:25 And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.” Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. / But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours. Luke 6:37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Romans 12:17-21 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Carefully consider what is right in the eyes of everybody. / If it is possible on your part, live at peace with everyone. / Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath. For it is written: “Vengeance is Mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” ... 1 Peter 3:9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Genesis 50:17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. Proverbs 19:11 A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense. Leviticus 19:18 Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against any of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD. Psalm 103:10-12 He has not dealt with us according to our sins or repaid us according to our iniquities. / For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His loving devotion for those who fear Him. / As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Isaiah 55:7 Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon. Treasury of Scripture Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? till. Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. Luke 17:3,4 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him… Jump to Previous Act Forgive Forgiveness Jesus Master Oft Often Peter Point Question Seven Sin Sins Sir Times Towards Wrong WronglyJump to Next Act Forgive Forgiveness Jesus Master Oft Often Peter Point Question Seven Sin Sins Sir Times Towards Wrong WronglyMatthew 18 1. Jesus warns his disciples to be humble and harmless,7. to avoid offenses, 10. and not to despise the little ones; 15. teaches how we are to deal with our brothers when they offend us, 21. and how often to forgive them; 23. which he sets forth by a parable of the king who took account of his servants, 32. and punished him who showed no mercy to his fellow servant. Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Peter, often seen as the spokesperson for the disciples, approaches Jesus with a question. This reflects the rabbinic tradition of asking questions to gain deeper understanding. Peter's approach signifies a desire for clarity on spiritual and moral issues, a common practice among disciples seeking wisdom from their teacher. “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Persons / Places / Events 1. PeterOne of Jesus' twelve apostles, known for his impulsive nature and strong leadership among the disciples. Here, he approaches Jesus with a question about forgiveness. 2. Jesus The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, and the teacher to whom Peter directs his question. Jesus uses this opportunity to teach about the nature of forgiveness. 3. Forgiveness The act of pardoning someone for an offense or sin. In this context, it is a key theme that Jesus addresses, emphasizing its importance in the life of a believer. 4. The Question of Seven Times Peter suggests forgiving up to seven times, which he likely considered generous, as the traditional Jewish teaching often emphasized forgiving three times. Teaching Points The Nature of ForgivenessForgiveness is not about keeping count but about embodying the grace and mercy that God extends to us. It is a continual process that reflects God's infinite forgiveness. Beyond Human Standards Peter's suggestion of seven times reflects human limitations, but Jesus calls us to a divine standard of forgiveness that surpasses human expectations. Forgiveness as a Reflection of God's Character As Christians, we are called to reflect God's character in our actions. Forgiving others is a powerful testimony of God's love and grace. The Freedom in Forgiveness Holding onto grudges can be spiritually and emotionally burdensome. Forgiveness frees us from the chains of bitterness and allows us to live in peace. Forgiveness and Reconciliation While forgiveness is essential, it is also important to seek reconciliation where possible, restoring relationships in a way that honors God.(21) How oft shall my brother sin . . .?--The words of Matthew 18:15 had obviously told on the minds of the disciples, and had roused them to question with themselves. But they could not, all at once, take in the truth that the "commandment" was "exceeding broad." Surely, they thought, there must be some limit to this way of dealing with the brother who has sinned against us? And the sacred number suggested itself as the natural limit. Not, it may be conjectured, without a half-conscious reference to the words of the prophet (Amos 1:3), that "for three transgressions and for four" the punishment thereof should not be turned away, the Apostle made answer to his own question, "Until seven times?" as though the line must be drawn there.Verses 21-35. - The pardon of injuries, and the parable of the unmerciful servant. Verse 21. - Peter was greatly struck with what Christ had just said about reconciliation of enemies; and he wanted to know what limits were to be imposed on his generosity, especially, it might be, if the offender made no reparation for his offence, and acknowledged not his wrong doing. My brother. As ver. 15, fellow disciple, neighbour. Till seven times? Peter doubtless thought that he was unusually liberal and generous in proposing such a measure of forgiveness. Seven is the number of completeness and plurality, and our Lord had used it in giving his sentence about forgiveness: "If he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn to thee again," etc. (Luke 17:4). Some rabbis had fixed this limit from an erroneous interpretation of Amos 1:3; Amos 2:1. "For three transgressions, and for four," etc.; but the usual precept enjoined forgiveness of three offences only, drawing the line here, and having no pity for a fourth offence. Ben-Sira bids a man admonish an offending neighbour twice, but is silent as to any further forgiveness (Ecclus. 19:13-17). The Jews were very fond of defining and limiting moral obligations, as if they could be accurately prescribed by number. Christ demolishes this attempt to define by law the measure of grace. Parallel Commentaries ... Greek ThenΤότε (Tote) Adverb Strong's 5119: Then, at that time. From ho and hote; the when, i.e. At the time that. Peter Πέτρος (Petros) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4074: Peter, a Greek name meaning rock. Apparently a primary word; a rock; as a name, Petrus, an apostle. came προσελθὼν (proselthōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 4334: From pros and erchomai; to approach, i.e. come near, visit, or worship, assent to. to [Jesus] αὐτῷ (autō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. [and] asked, εἶπεν (eipen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “Lord, Κύριε (Kyrie) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. how many times ποσάκις (posakis) Adverb Strong's 4212: How often, how many times. Multiplicative from posos; how many times. shall I forgive ἀφήσω (aphēsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular Strong's 863: From apo and hiemi; to send forth, in various applications. my ἐμὲ (eme) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. brother ἀδελφός (adelphos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 80: A brother, member of the same religious community, especially a fellow-Christian. A brother near or remote. who sins ἁμαρτήσει (hamartēsei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 264: Perhaps from a and the base of meros; properly, to miss the mark, i.e. to err, especially to sin. against εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. me? μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. Up to ἕως (heōs) Preposition Strong's 2193: A conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until. seven times?” ἑπτάκις (heptakis) Adverb Strong's 2034: Seven times. Adverb from hepta; seven times. Links Matthew 18:21 NIVMatthew 18:21 NLT Matthew 18:21 ESV Matthew 18:21 NASB Matthew 18:21 KJV Matthew 18:21 BibleApps.com Matthew 18:21 Biblia Paralela Matthew 18:21 Chinese Bible Matthew 18:21 French Bible Matthew 18:21 Catholic Bible NT Gospels: Matthew 18:21 Then Peter came and said to him (Matt. Mat Mt) |
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