Matthew 18:30

30 But he refused. Instead, he turned away and had that servant put into prison until he would repay what he owed.

Matthew 18:30 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:30

And he would not
Have patience with him, give him time for payment, and forbear severity at present, as he requested:

but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt;
had him before a proper officer, and proved his debt, and got him sent to jail, there to lie till the whole debt was paid; which, as it discovered ill nature, severe usage, so, great ignorance and stupidity; for a prison will pay no debt: which sets forth the rigorous proceedings of some church members against their brethren, that have displeased them; who immediately bring the matter before the church, and will not be easy unless some censure is laid upon them, or they are cast out, until full satisfaction is given them, whereby oftentimes an useful member of a church is lost.

Matthew 18:30 In-Context

28 But when that servant went away, he found a servant who owed him hundreds of dollars. He grabbed the servant he found and began to choke him. 'Pay what you owe!' he said.

29 "Then that other servant fell at his feet and begged him, 'Be patient with me, and I will repay you.'

30 But he refused. Instead, he turned away and had that servant put into prison until he would repay what he owed.

31 "The other servants who worked with him saw what had happened and felt very sad. They told their master the whole story.

32 "Then his master sent for him and said to him, 'You evil servant! I canceled your entire debt, because you begged me.