Jesus answered
In this passage, Jesus is responding to Peter's question about forgiveness. The context is a discussion on how many times one should forgive a brother who sins against them. Jesus' response emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in the Christian life, reflecting God's own forgiveness towards humanity. This sets the stage for a teaching moment that challenges the conventional limits of forgiveness.

I tell you
This phrase underscores the authority of Jesus' teaching. It is a common introduction in the Gospels when Jesus is about to reveal a significant truth or principle. It indicates that what follows is not merely a suggestion but a command or a divine principle that should be adhered to by His followers.

not just seven times
The number seven in Jewish culture often symbolizes completeness or perfection. Peter's suggestion of forgiving seven times might have seemed generous, as the traditional Jewish teaching often emphasized forgiving three times. By saying "not just seven times," Jesus is indicating that the standard of forgiveness is far beyond human expectations or cultural norms.

but seventy-seven times!
This phrase can also be translated as "seventy times seven," which would be 490 times. The exact number is less important than the principle it conveys: forgiveness should be limitless. This teaching reflects the boundless grace and mercy of God. It also connects to the Old Testament, where Lamech, a descendant of Cain, boasts of avenging himself "seventy-seven times" (Genesis 4:24). Jesus reverses this idea, promoting forgiveness instead of vengeance. This teaching aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and grace, highlighting the transformative power of forgiveness in the life of a believer.

1. Jesus
The central figure in this passage, Jesus is teaching His disciples about forgiveness.

2. Peter
One of Jesus' disciples who initiates the conversation by asking how many times he should forgive someone who sins against him.

3. Disciples
The group of followers who are present during this teaching, learning about the principles of forgiveness.

4. The Kingdom of Heaven
The broader context of Jesus' teaching in this chapter, emphasizing the values and principles of God's kingdom.

5. The Offender
The hypothetical person who sins against another, prompting the question of forgiveness.The Limitlessness of Forgiveness
Jesus' response to Peter emphasizes that forgiveness should not be limited or counted. The number "seventy-seven" symbolizes boundless forgiveness, reflecting God's infinite mercy.

Forgiveness as a Reflection of God's Character
As followers of Christ, we are called to mirror God's forgiving nature. Our willingness to forgive others demonstrates our understanding and acceptance of God's grace in our lives.

The Heart of Forgiveness
True forgiveness is not merely a legalistic act but a heartfelt decision to release resentment and seek reconciliation. It involves a transformation of the heart, aligning with the love and compassion of Christ.

Forgiveness and Community
In the context of the church, forgiveness fosters unity and peace. It prevents bitterness and division, promoting a healthy, loving community that reflects the kingdom of God.

Practical Forgiveness
Practically, forgiveness involves prayer, seeking God's help to let go of hurt, and sometimes, taking steps to restore relationships. It is an ongoing process that requires reliance on the Holy Spirit.(22) Seventy times seven.--The use of the symbolic numbers that indicated completeness was obviously designed to lead the mind of the questioner altogether away from any specially numerical standard as such. As there was no such limit to the forgiveness of God, so there should be none to that of man. The very question as to the latter showed the inquirer had not rightly apprehended the nature and extent of the former.

Verse 22. - I say not unto thee. Jesus gives the full weight of his authority to his precept, in distinction from Peter's suggestion and rabbinical glosses. Seventy times seven. No specific number, but practically unlimited. There is no measure to forgiveness; it must be practised whenever occasion arises. Some translate, "seventy-seven times," making an allusion to the retribution exacted from Lamech: "If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold" (Genesis 4:24). Christian forgiveness must be extended as far as old-world vengeance. Mercy rejoices against judgment. But the genius of the language supports the rendering of the Authorized Version. St. Paul has caught the spirit of his Master when he writes, "Forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:32). In the Mosaic dispensation there was some foreshadowing of the doctrine of forgiveness in the enactments which enjoined tender treatment of debtors, and in the terms of the jubilee law; but there were no rules concerning the pardon of personal injuries; the tendency of many prominent injunctions was to encourage retaliation. Herein is seen an important distinction between the Law and the gospel, the institutions antecedent to the death and atonement of Christ, and those subsequent thereto.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Jesus
Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.

answered,
Λέγει (Legei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

“I tell
λέγω (legō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 3004: (a) I say, speak; I mean, mention, tell, (b) I call, name, especially in the pass., (c) I tell, command.

you,
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

not
Οὐ (Ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

just
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.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

seventy-seven times
ἑβδομηκοντάκις (hebdomēkontakis)
Adverb
Strong's 1441: Seventy times. Multiple adverb from hebdomekonta; seventy times.

!
ἑπτά (hepta)
Adjective - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2033: Seven. A primary number; seven.


Matthew 18:22 NIV
Matthew 18:22 NLT
Matthew 18:22 ESV
Matthew 18:22 NASB
Matthew 18:22 KJV

Matthew 18:22 BibleApps.com
Matthew 18:22 Biblia Paralela
Matthew 18:22 Chinese Bible
Matthew 18:22 French Bible
Matthew 18:22 Catholic Bible

NT Gospels: Matthew 18:22 Jesus said to him I don't tell (Matt. Mat Mt)