Matthew 18:31
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
Original Language Analysis
ἰδόντες
saw
G1492
ἰδόντες
saw
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
1 of 18
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σύνδουλοι
fellowservants
G4889
σύνδουλοι
fellowservants
Strong's:
G4889
Word #:
4 of 18
a co-slave, i.e., servitor or ministrant of the same master (human or divine)
ἀυτῶν
when his
G846
ἀυτῶν
when his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
5 of 18
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
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γενόμενα
that was done
G1096
γενόμενα
that was done
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
7 of 18
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
σφόδρα
they were very
G4970
σφόδρα
they were very
Strong's:
G4970
Word #:
9 of 18
of uncertain derivation) as adverb; vehemently, i.e., in a high degree, much
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλθόντες
came
G2064
ἐλθόντες
came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 18
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
διεσάφησαν
and told
G1285
διεσάφησαν
and told
Strong's:
G1285
Word #:
12 of 18
to clear thoroughly, i.e., (figuratively) declare
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίῳ
lord
G2962
κυρίῳ
lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
14 of 18
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
ἀυτῶν
when his
G846
ἀυτῶν
when his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
15 of 18
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
Cross References
Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Hebrews 13:3Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.Mark 3:5And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.
Historical Context
In ancient patron-client relationships, servants of the same master formed communities with shared interests. Reporting serious offenses to the lord was expected—maintaining household order required transparency. The fellow servants' grief reflects the corporate nature of ancient Mediterranean society, where individual actions affected the whole community's honor and well-being.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your treatment of others reflect on God's character to watching 'fellow servants' around you?
- What does the fellow servants' grief over injustice teach about the proper Christian response to unforgiveness and hypocrisy in the church?
- How should knowing that witnesses report to the Lord affect your private dealings with those who've wronged you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry (ἐλυπήθησαν σφόδρα, elypēthēsan sphodra)—the Greek indicates profound grief and distress. The fellow servants weren't merely disappointed but deeply troubled by the injustice. This public dimension is crucial: the wicked servant's hypocrisy and cruelty offended the moral sensibilities of the community. Forgiveness is never purely private—our treatment of others reflects God's character (or our distortion of it) before watching witnesses.
And came and told unto their lord all that was done (διεσάφησαν, diesaphēsan)—'explained fully, made clear.' They provided complete testimony, not gossip. This appeals to higher authority for justice mirrors how creation itself 'groans' under sin's weight (Rom 8:22) and how the blood of martyrs 'cries out' for vindication (Rev 6:10). God sees and will address all injustice.