Matthew 18:23
New International Version
“Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

New Living Translation
“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.

English Standard Version
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.

Berean Standard Bible
Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens has become like to a man, a king, who desired to settle accounts with his servants.

King James Bible
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

New King James Version
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

New American Standard Bible
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.

NASB 1995
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

NASB 1977
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a certain king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

Legacy Standard Bible
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

Amplified Bible
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.

Christian Standard Bible
“For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.

American Standard Version
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, who would make a reckoning with his servants.

Contemporary English Version
This story will show you what the kingdom of heaven is like: One day a king decided to call in his officials and ask them to give an account of what they owed him.

English Revised Version
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would make a reckoning with his servants.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"That is why the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Good News Translation
because the Kingdom of heaven is like this. Once there was a king who decided to check on his servants' accounts.

International Standard Version
"That is why the kingdom from heaven may be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Majority Standard Bible
Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

NET Bible
"For this reason, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.

New Heart English Bible
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile accounts with his servants.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king who would take account of his servants.

Weymouth New Testament
"For this reason the Kingdom of the Heavens may be compared to a king who determined to have a settlement of accounts with his servants.

World English Bible
Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Because of this was the kingdom of the heavens likened to a man, a king, who willed to take reckoning with his servants,

Berean Literal Bible
Because of this, the kingdom of the heavens has become like to a man, a king, who desired to settle accounts with his servants.

Young's Literal Translation
'Because of this was the reign of the heavens likened to a man, a king, who did will to take reckoning with his servants,

Smith's Literal Translation
Therefore the kingdom of the heavens was likened to a man, the king, who wished to lift up the word together with his servants.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a king, who would take an account of his servants.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a man who was king, who wanted to take account of his servants.

New American Bible
That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants.

New Revised Standard Version
“For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore the kingdom of heaven is likened to a king who wanted to take an accounting from his servants.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Therefore the Kingdom of Heaven is compared to a man who was a King, wanting to take an account of his servants.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For this reason, the kingdom of heaven is likened to a king that wished to settle accounts with his servants.

Godbey New Testament
Therefore the kingdom of the heavens is like unto a kingly man, who wished to make a reckoning with his servants.

Haweis New Testament
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven like unto a certain king who purposed to settle his account with his servants.

Mace New Testament
In this respect the gospel-kingdom may be represented by that of a temporal prince, who had a mind to call his servants to account.

Weymouth New Testament
"For this reason the Kingdom of the Heavens may be compared to a king who determined to have a settlement of accounts with his servants.

Worrell New Testament
Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven was likened to a king who wished to make a reckoning with his servants.

Worsley New Testament
And therefore the gospel-kingdom is like unto a king, who had a mind to settle accounts with his servants:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Unforgiving Servant
22Jesus answered, “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! 23Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24As he began the settlements, a debtor was brought to him owing ten thousand talents.…

Cross References
Matthew 6:12-15
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. / And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’ / For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. ...

Luke 7:41-43
“Two men were debtors to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. / When they were unable to repay him, he forgave both of them. Which one, then, will love him more?” / “I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.

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.

James 2:13
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Romans 12:19-21
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.” / On the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing, you will heap burning coals on his head.” / Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Luke 6:36-38
Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. / Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. / Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to 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 25:14-30
For it is just like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted them with his possessions. / To one he gave five talents, to another two talents, and to another one talent—each according to his own ability. And he went on his journey. / The servant who had received the five talents went at once and put them to work and gained five more. ...

Luke 19:12-27
So He said, “A man of noble birth went to a distant country to lay claim to his kingship and then return. / Beforehand, he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. ‘Conduct business with this until I return,’ he said. / But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ...

Proverbs 19:11
A man’s insight gives him patience, and his virtue is to overlook an offense.

Psalm 103:10-14
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. ...

Genesis 50:17-21
‘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. / His brothers also came to him, bowed down before him, and said, “We are your slaves!” / But Joseph replied, “Do not be afraid. Am I in the place of God? ...


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened to a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

is.

Matthew 3:2
And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

Matthew 13:24,31,33,44,45,47,52
Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: …

Matthew 25:1,14
Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom…

which.

Matthew 25:19-30
After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them…

Luke 16:1,2
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods…

Luke 19:12-27
He said therefore, A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return…

Jump to Previous
Account Accounts Bondmen Cause Compared Determined Heaven Heavens Kingdom Likened Reason Reckon Reckoning Reconcile Servants Settle Settlement Slaves Wanted Wished
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Account Accounts Bondmen Cause Compared Determined Heaven Heavens Kingdom Likened Reason Reckon Reckoning Reconcile Servants Settle Settlement Slaves Wanted Wished
Matthew 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.














Because of this
This phrase connects the parable to the preceding discussion on forgiveness and humility. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the context of Jesus' teachings on forgiveness, as seen in Matthew 18:21-22, where Peter asks about the limits of forgiveness.

the kingdom of heaven
This term refers to God's sovereign rule and reign, both in the present spiritual sense and the future physical manifestation. It is a central theme in Jesus' teachings, highlighting the values and principles of God's kingdom, which often contrast with worldly values.

is like a king
The king in the parable represents God, who is sovereign and just. Kingship imagery is common in Scripture, illustrating authority, judgment, and the responsibility of rulers. This aligns with Old Testament depictions of God as King, such as in Psalm 47:7-8.

who wanted to settle accounts
This phrase indicates a time of reckoning or judgment. In biblical times, settling accounts was a common practice, reflecting the need for accountability and justice. It parallels the final judgment, where God will hold individuals accountable for their actions, as seen in Romans 14:12.

with his servants
Servants in this context represent believers or those under God's authority. The relationship between a king and his servants illustrates the dynamic between God and humanity, emphasizing obedience, stewardship, and the expectation of faithfulness. This is echoed in other parables, such as the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Kingdom of Heaven
Represents God's sovereign rule and the spiritual realm where His will is fulfilled. In this parable, it serves as the backdrop for understanding divine justice and mercy.

2. The King
Symbolizes God, who is just and merciful. The king's actions in the parable reflect God's approach to justice and forgiveness.

3. The Servants
Represent humanity, specifically those who are accountable to God. The servants' debts illustrate the moral and spiritual debts humans owe to God.

4. Settling Accounts
This event signifies the time of judgment or reckoning, where individuals must account for their actions and debts before God.
Teaching Points
Understanding Divine Justice and Mercy
The parable illustrates that God's kingdom operates on principles of justice and mercy. Believers are called to reflect these attributes in their lives.

The Weight of Sin
Just as the servant's debt was insurmountable, our sins create a debt we cannot repay on our own. This highlights the need for God's grace.

The Call to Forgiveness
As recipients of God's mercy, we are called to extend forgiveness to others. This is a central tenet of Christian living.

Accountability Before God
The parable reminds us that we will all stand before God to give an account of our lives. This should inspire us to live righteously and seek reconciliation with others.

The Transformative Power of Grace
Experiencing God's forgiveness should transform our hearts and lead us to live in a way that honors Him.(23) Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened . . .--Over and above the direct teaching of the parable it has the interest, as regards its form, of being, in some sense, an advance on those of chapter 13, i.e., as more fully bringing out human interests, and so more after the pattern of those that are characteristic of St. Luke.

Verses 23-35. - Christ illustrates his precept by the parable of the unmerciful servant, and the stern lesson which he himself enunciates at its close. Verse 23. - Therefore; i.e. because such is the infinite nature of the pardon to be meted out to an offending brother. The kingdom of heaven. The rule observed in the government of Christ's kingdom with regard to forgiveness is represented by the procedure of a certain earthly king. The picture supposes some great Oriental potentate, with numerous viceroys or satraps, who have to render to him an account of revenues received. These are called servants in the sense that, though they are high officials, they are the monarch's subordinates and dependents. Both Herodotus and Xenophon apply the term "slave" (δοῦλος) to the great officers of state. Immense sums of money would pass through their hands. This accounts for the enormous debt of the officer in the parable. Webster and Wilkinson compare the East India Company's collectors, who are high civil servants of the company, that is, now, of the government. If we regard the parable in a general light, as illustrating God's dealings with sinful man, we must see in the "taking account of his servants," not the judgment of the last day, but those many occasions when God makes a man turn his eyes inward and learn how he stands in the sight of his Lord. Such occasions are sickness, misfortune, great change of circumstances, a new year, reproach of conscience, however aroused, - these and such like incidents awaken a man to his true position, show him his delinquencies and misery.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Because of
Διὰ (Dia)
Preposition
Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.

this,
τοῦτο (touto)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

the
(hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

kingdom
βασιλεία (basileia)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 932: From basileus; properly, royalty, i.e. rule, or a realm.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

heaven
οὐρανῶν (ouranōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3772: Perhaps from the same as oros; the sky; by extension, heaven; by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the Gospel.

is like
ὡμοιώθη (hōmoiōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 3666: To make like, liken; I compare. From homoios; to assimilate, i.e. Compare; passively, to become similar.

a king
βασιλεῖ (basilei)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 935: A king, ruler, but in some passages clearly to be translated: emperor. Probably from basis; a sovereign.

who
ὃς (hos)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

wanted
ἠθέλησεν (ēthelēsen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2309: To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design.

to settle
συνᾶραι (synarai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 4868: To compare (settle) accounts, make a reckoning. From sun and airo; to make up together, i.e. to compute.

accounts
λόγον (logon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

with
μετὰ (meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 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.

servants.
δούλων (doulōn)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1401: (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.


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