Matthew 18:26
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him--or did humble obeisance to him. saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all--This was just an acknowledgment of the justice of the claim made against him, and a piteous imploration of mercy.
Open source ↗The gospels are, in short, a record of what Jesus began both to do and to teach. In the foregoing chapter, we had an account of his doings, in this, of his teachings; probably, not all at the same time, in a continued discourse, but at several times, upon divers occasions, here put together, as near akin. We have here, I. Instructions concerning humility (Mat 18:1-6). II. Concerning offences in general (Mat 18:7), particularly offences given, 1. By us to ourselves (Mat 18:8, Mat 18:9). 2. By us to others, (Mat 18:10-14). 3. By others to us; which are of two sorts, (1.) Scandalous sins, which are to be reproved (Mat 18:15-20). (2.) Personal wrongs, which are to be forgiven (Mat 18:21-35). See how practical Christ's preaching was; he could have revealed mysteries, but he pressed plain duties, especially those that are most displeasing to flesh and blood.
Open source ↗18:26 I will pay it all: The exaggerated debt and the slave’s promise amplify the greatness of the king’s mercy and the slave’s unforgiving attitude (18:29-30).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
“I suppose the one who was forgiven more,” Simon replied. “You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.
So his fellow servant fell down and begged him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you back.’
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.