Matthew 6:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Matthew 6:14
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Chapter Context
Matthew 6 is a biographical gospel chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, prayer, faith. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-90 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Written when Christianity was separating from Judaism following Jerusalem's destruction.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-34: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Matthew and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Matthew 6:14
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- Forgive: ἀφίημι (Aphiemi) G863 - To send away, forgive, release
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 6:12, 7:2, Proverbs 21:13, Mark 11:25, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13