Luke Chapter 7 · Verse 42
And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
nothing
G3361
μὴ
nothing
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 14
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἐχόντων
had
G2192
ἐχόντων
had
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
2 of 14
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἀποδοῦναι
to pay
G591
ἀποδοῦναι
to pay
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
5 of 14
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
ἐχαρίσατο
he frankly forgave
G5483
ἐχαρίσατο
he frankly forgave
Strong's:
G5483
Word #:
7 of 14
to grant as a favor, i.e., gratuitously, in kindness, pardon or rescue
τίς
which
G5101
τίς
which
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
8 of 14
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
9 of 14
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
αὐτόν
him
G846
αὐτόν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 14
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
πλεῖον
most
G4119
πλεῖον
most
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
12 of 14
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
Historical Context
Debt forgiveness was rare in ancient economy—creditors had legal right to full repayment. Jubilee year (Leviticus 25) included debt forgiveness, but this was exceptional. The parable's 'frankly forgave' (freely, graciously forgave) emphasizes the gift's unexpectedness. For first-century audiences, the scenario was economically unrealistic, highlighting that it illustrated spiritual reality—God's grace exceeds human patterns. Early church preached this radical grace, scandalizing both Jews (who emphasized law-keeping) and Gentiles (who emphasized philosophical virtue).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding forgiveness as pure grace (not earned or deserved) transform our relationship with God?
- Why is it important that both debtors received equal forgiveness despite different debt amounts?
- How should the graciousness of our forgiveness affect how we forgive others?
Analysis & Commentary
The outcome: 'And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both' (Greek 'mē echontōn autōn apodounai, amphoterois echarisato'). The verb 'echarisato' (forgave) relates to 'charis' (grace)—freely given, undeserved favor. Neither debtor earned or merited forgiveness; both received it as pure grace. This is gospel essence—justification by grace through faith, not works. Romans 3:23-24 states 'all have sinned... being justified freely by his grace.' The equal treatment—both forgiven despite different debt amounts—shows that salvation is equally gracious for all, whether one's pre-conversion sins were 'respectable' or notorious. Reformed theology emphasizes that all salvation is 100% grace, 0% merit.