Matthew 6:15
But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Original Language Analysis
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
1 of 17
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
3 of 17
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παραπτώματα
trespasses
G3900
παραπτώματα
trespasses
Strong's:
G3900
Word #:
8 of 17
a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression
αὐτῶν,
their
G846
αὐτῶν,
their
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
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
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
Father
G3962
πατὴρ
Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
12 of 17
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Jewish teaching emphasized forgiving others as prerequisite for God's forgiveness (Sirach 28:2). Jesus radicalizes this by making forgiveness not merely a work earning merit but essential evidence of having received grace. Lack of forgiveness reveals absence of saving faith.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse demonstrate that genuine saving faith necessarily produces a forgiving spirit toward others?
- What unforgiveness might you be harboring that calls into question whether you truly understand God's grace toward you?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
This sobering warning that unforgiveness blocks God's forgiveness creates apparent tension with salvation by grace alone. The resolution lies in distinguishing justification from sanctification—we are forgiven freely through Christ's blood (justification), yet a forgiving spirit is the necessary fruit proving genuine conversion (sanctification). Those who refuse to forgive demonstrate they've never truly understood or received God's forgiveness. The unmerciful servant parable (Matthew 18:23-35) illustrates this principle.