Matthew 5:26

26 I solemnly tell you that you will certainly not be released till you have paid the very last farthing.

Matthew 5:26 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:26

Verily, I say unto thee
This may be depended upon, you may assure yourself of it, that

thou shalt by no means come out thence,
from prison,

till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing,
or "last farthing"; or as the Ethiopic version reads it, "till thou hast exactly paid all"; which seems to express the inexorableness of the creditor, and the impossibility of the debtor's release.

Matthew 5:26 In-Context

24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go and make friends with your brother first, and then return and proceed to offer your gift.

25 Come to terms without delay with your opponent while you are yet with him on the way to the court; for fear he should obtain judgement from the magistrate against you, and the magistrate should give you in custody to the officer and you be thrown into prison.

26 I solemnly tell you that you will certainly not be released till you have paid the very last farthing.

27 "You have heard that it was said, `Thou shalt not commit adultery.'

28 But I tell you that whoever looks at a woman and cherishes lustful thoughts has already in his heart become guilty with regard to her.