Matthew 18:22

22 Jesus saith to him, `I do not say to thee till seven times, but till seventy times seven.

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 for where there are two or three gathered together -- to my name, there am I in the midst of them.'

21 Then Peter having come near to him, said, `Sir, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him -- till seven times?'

22 Jesus saith to him, `I do not say to thee till seven times, but till seventy times seven.

23 `Because of this was the reign of the heavens likened to a man, a king, who did will to take reckoning with his servants,

24 and he having begun to take account, there was brought near to him one debtor of a myriad of talents,