Luke 7:42
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
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?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
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.