Matthew 18:26
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοῦλος
The servant
G1401
δοῦλος
The servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
4 of 15
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
G4352
προσεκύνει
and worshipped
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
5 of 15
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 15
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
λέγων,
saying
G3004
λέγων,
saying
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
7 of 15
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Κύριε,
Lord
G2962
Κύριε,
Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
8 of 15
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Μακροθύμησον
have patience
G3114
Μακροθύμησον
have patience
Strong's:
G3114
Word #:
9 of 15
to be long-spirited, i.e., (objectively) forbearing or (subjectively) patient
ἐπ'
with
G1909
ἐπ'
with
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
10 of 15
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Cross References
Matthew 18:29And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.Matthew 8:2And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.Luke 7:43Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged.
Historical Context
Prostration (falling face-down) was standard posture for approaching ancient Near Eastern monarchs. The servant's promise reflects ancient negotiation tactics where debtors proposed payment plans to avoid immediate consequences. However, no payment schedule could realistically address such debt, making the promise empty—though perhaps made sincerely in desperation.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'payment plans' do people offer God instead of accepting the free gift of forgiveness through Christ?
- How does the servant's self-deception ('I will pay thee all') mirror modern confidence in personal moral progress?
- When have you approached God asking for patience/time rather than humbly accepting undeserved grace?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him (προσεκύνει αὐτῷ, prosekynei autō)—the Greek indicates repeated prostration in desperate supplication, not worship of deity. This physical posture of total helplessness and submission reflects the sinner's proper position before God: recognizing inability and pleading for mercy.
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all (μακροθύμησον ἐπ' ἐμοί, καὶ πάντα ἀποδώσω σοι)—tragic self-deception. The promise to repay 10,000 talents is delusional; even if he lived 200,000 years, complete repayment was impossible. This mirrors the unconverted sinner's attempt to bargain with God through works, resolutions, and moral improvement—all inadequate before infinite holiness. The servant seeks patience (makrothymēson, 'long-suffering'), not forgiveness, revealing incomplete understanding of his condition.