Matthew 6:14
For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Original Language Analysis
Ἐὰν
if
G1437
Ἐὰν
if
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 16
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραπτώματα
trespasses
G3900
παραπτώματα
trespasses
Strong's:
G3900
Word #:
7 of 16
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
αὐτῶν
their
G846
αὐτῶν
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 16
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
will also
G2532
καὶ
will also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
Father
G3962
πατὴρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
13 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:32And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.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.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.Matthew 7:2For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.James 2:13For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.Proverbs 21:13Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.Matthew 6:12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.1 John 3:10In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
Historical Context
This principle appears repeatedly in Jesus' teaching (Matthew 18:23-35, Mark 11:25). Early Christian communities faced tension requiring mutual forgiveness (Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32). In honor-shame cultures of the ancient Mediterranean, forgiveness was countercultural - honor demanded revenge for wrongs. Jesus establishes forgiveness as non-negotiable kingdom ethic. Jewish thought recognized the importance of forgiveness (Sirach 28:2), but Jesus radically intensifies and universalizes it.
Questions for Reflection
- How does our willingness to forgive others reveal the genuineness of our experience of God's forgiveness?
- What is the difference between forgiving someone and trusting them or removing consequences?
- How can we forgive when we don't 'feel' forgiving toward someone who has wronged us?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus immediately expounds on the forgiveness petition: 'For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you' (Greek: ἀφήσει καὶ ὑμῖν, 'will also forgive you'). This conditional statement underscores the connection between divine and human forgiveness. 'Trespasses' (παραπτώματα) means 'false steps' or 'falling aside.' The logic is not merit-based - we don't earn God's forgiveness by forgiving others. Rather, forgiving others demonstrates we understand and have received God's forgiveness. Unforgiveness reveals hard hearts unchanged by grace. Those truly forgiven become forgiving people.