Luke 17:4
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Even if he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times returns to say, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
seven times--not a lower measure of the forgiving spirit than the "seventy times seven" enjoined on Peter, which was occasioned by his asking if he was to stop at seven times. "No," is the virtual answer, "though it come to seventy times that number, if only he ask forgiveness in sincerity."
Open source ↗In this chapter we have, I. Some particular discourses which Christ had with his disciples, in which he teaches them to take heed of giving offence, and to forgive the injuries done them (Luk 17:1-4), encourages them to pray for the increase of their faith (Luk 17:5, Luk 17:6), and then teaches them humility, whatever service they had done for God (Luk 17:7-10). II. His cleansing ten lepers, and the thanks he had from one of them only, and he a Samaritan (Luk 17:11-19). III. His discourse with his disciples, upon occasion of an enquiry of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should appear (v. 20-37).
Open source ↗17:4 Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day: Seven is not intended to convey an exact number, but means “many times” (see Ps 119:164). See Matt 18:21-22.
Open source ↗Cross-references
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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.”
But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
But if he will not listen, take one or two others along, so that ‘every matter may be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses.’
That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”