Matthew 18:33

33 Shouldst thou not also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?

Matthew 18:33 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:33

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion.
&c.] It is but reasonable, what ought to be, and may be expected, that such who have received mercy, should show mercy; and as the Lord had compassion on this man, and had forgiven him such an immense sum, and saved him, his wife and children, from being sold for bondslaves, the least he could have done after this, would have been to have followed such an example, and have had mercy, as his Lord says to him,

on thy fellow servant;
between whom, and him, there was not so great a distance, as between him, and his Lord; and the sum so small that was owing to him, as not to be mentioned with his:

even as, I had pity on thee;
such an instance of pity and compassion did not only set him an example, worthy of his imitation, but laid him under an obligation to have acted such a part.

Matthew 18:33 In-Context

31 So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that was done.
32 Then his lord, having called him, said to him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
33 Shouldst thou not also have had compassion on thy fellow-servant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due to him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do to you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
The Webster Bible is in the public domain.