Matthew 18:27
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Original Language Analysis
σπλαγχνισθεὶς
was moved with compassion
G4697
σπλαγχνισθεὶς
was moved with compassion
Strong's:
G4697
Word #:
1 of 14
to have the bowels yearn, i.e., (figuratively) feel sympathy, to pity
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κύριος
the lord
G2962
κύριος
the lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
4 of 14
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δούλου
servant
G1401
δούλου
servant
Strong's:
G1401
Word #:
6 of 14
a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)
ἐκείνου
of that
G1565
ἐκείνου
of that
Strong's:
G1565
Word #:
7 of 14
that one (or (neuter) thing); often intensified by the article prefixed
ἀπέλυσεν
loosed
G630
ἀπέλυσεν
loosed
Strong's:
G630
Word #:
8 of 14
to free fully, i.e., (literally) relieve, release, dismiss (reflexively, depart), or (figuratively) let die, pardon or (specially) divorce
αὐτῷ
him
G846
αὐτῷ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Psalms 145:8The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.Psalms 86:15But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.Nehemiah 9:17And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.Hosea 11:8How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? how shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? how shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.
Historical Context
Debt forgiveness by royal decree was occasionally practiced by Hellenistic monarchs as acts of beneficence (often at accession or after military victory). However, forgiving such a massive sum would be economically devastating, making this parable's generosity deliberately shocking. It illustrates grace's costliness—God absorbs the debt Himself rather than demanding payment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the lord's compassion arising from his own character (not the servant's worthiness) reflect the doctrine of unconditional election?
- What did God's forgiveness cost Him, since debts don't simply disappear but must be paid by someone?
- How should receiving complete debt cancellation (not merely payment plans) transform your gratitude and obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion (σπλαγχνισθεὶς δὲ ὁ κύριος, splanchnistheis de ho kyrios)—the Greek splanchnizomai denotes visceral compassion, literally 'bowels moved,' indicating profound emotional mercy. This word appears repeatedly in the Gospels describing Jesus (Mt 9:36, 14:14, 15:32), revealing God's character: mercy flows from His nature, not the debtor's merit.
Loosed him, and forgave him the debt (ἀπέλυσεν αὐτόν, καὶ τὸ δάνειον ἀφῆκεν αὐτῷ)—total, unconditional forgiveness. The lord didn't accept the payment plan; he aphēken (ἀφῆκεν, 'released, sent away') the entire debt. This pictures justification: God doesn't make salvation easier or extend the deadline—He cancels the debt completely through Christ's substitutionary atonement (Col 2:13-14). Reformed theology emphasizes this sovereign, unilateral divine action in salvation.