Matthew 18:22
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Original Language Analysis
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 13
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦς
Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
4 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 13
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἕως
Until
G2193
ἕως
Until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
8 of 13
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἀλλ'
but
G235
ἀλλ'
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
10 of 13
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἕως
Until
G2193
ἕως
Until
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
11 of 13
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
Cross References
Colossians 3:13Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.Mark 11:25And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.Genesis 4:24If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.Romans 12:21Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.Micah 7:19He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.Isaiah 55:7Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.Ephesians 4:26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:1 Timothy 2:8I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
Historical Context
Rabbinical law required forgiving three times; Peter's seven seemed generous. Jesus' 'seventy times seven' (or 'seventy-seven') removes all limits. This doesn't mean enabling sin but extending grace repeatedly. The command reflects God's character—He keeps no record of wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5) but forgives fully and continually through Christ.
Questions for Reflection
- What hurt are you keeping score of rather than forgiving unlimitedly?
- How does Jesus' impossible standard reveal your need for God's grace to forgive?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' command to forgive 'Until seventy times seven' establishes unlimited forgiveness as the kingdom standard. This isn't literal (491st offense is unforgivable!) but hyperbolic—stop counting and keep forgiving. The number echoes Genesis 4:24 (Lamech's unlimited vengeance), transforming vengeance into forgiveness. This impossible standard highlights that we can't forgive like this apart from experiencing God's infinite forgiveness ourselves. The following parable (vv. 23-35) reinforces this.