Matthew 18:22

22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.

Matthew 18:22 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 18:22

Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee
Which is as if he had said, observe what I am about to say, I do not agree to what thou sayest to fix the number, "until seven times only", but

until seventy times seven;
a certain number for an uncertain, see ( Genesis 4:24 ) . Christ's meaning is, that a man should be all the days, and every day of his life, forgiving those that sin against him, as often as they repent and acknowledge their fault; and that no time is to be set for the exercise of the grace of forgiveness; but as often as there are objects and occasions, though ever so many and frequent, it should be used; and which he illustrates by the following parable.

Matthew 18:22 In-Context

20 Where two or three people meet together in my name, I am there with them."

21 Peter came to Jesus. He asked, "Lord, how many times should I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?"

22 Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but 77 times.

23 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to collect all the money his servants owed him.

24 As the king began to do it, a man who owed him millions of dollars was brought to him.