Matthew 5:26
Verily I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing.
Original Language Analysis
ἀμὴν
Verily
G281
ἀμὴν
Verily
Strong's:
G281
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, firm, i.e., (figuratively) trustworthy; adverbially, surely (often as interjection, so be it)
λέγω
I say
G3004
λέγω
I say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
2 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
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
5 of 13
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἕως
till
G2193
ἕως
till
Strong's:
G2193
Word #:
8 of 13
a conjunction, preposition and adverb of continuance, until (of time and place)
ἀποδῷς
thou hast paid
G591
ἀποδῷς
thou hast paid
Strong's:
G591
Word #:
10 of 13
to give away, i.e., up, over, back, etc. (in various applications)
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
A farthing (Greek kodrantes, Latin quadrans) was the smallest Roman copper coin, worth about 1/64 of a denarius. The phrase emphasizes complete payment with nothing left unpaid. Debtor's prison was common in the Roman world.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your inability to pay sin's debt point you to Christ's sufficient payment?
- What does this teach about the finality and completeness of divine justice?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Complete payment of every debt before release reinforces the seriousness of unresolved sin. The 'uttermost farthing' (smallest coin) shows God's justice is thorough and complete. This parable warns about the impossibility of self-salvation—we cannot pay the debt of sin ourselves.