Matthew 18:35
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That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
So likewise--in this spirit, or on this principle. shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. Next: Matthew Chapter 19
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 ↗18:35 That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you: Prison and torture (18:34) is thus a metaphor for hell (see 5:22).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
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.”
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
All a man’s ways seem right to him, but the LORD weighs the heart.
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
So He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is prized among men is detestable before God.
Then I will strike her children dead, and all the churches will know that I am the One who searches minds and hearts, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.
Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth.
They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.