Matthew 18:33

33 Was it not right for you to have mercy on the other servant, even as I had mercy on you?

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 the other servants saw what was done they were very sad, and came and gave word to their lord of what had been done.
32 Then his lord sent for him and said, You evil servant; I made you free of all that debt, because of your request to me:
33 Was it not right for you to have mercy on the other servant, even as I had mercy on you?
34 And his lord was very angry, and put him in the hands of those who would give him punishment till he made payment of all the debt.
35 So will my Father in heaven do to you, if you do not everyone, from your hearts, give forgiveness to his brother.
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