Matthew 18 23

Matthew 18:23 kjv

Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

Matthew 18:23 nkjv

Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 18:23 niv

"Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 18:23 esv

"Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.

Matthew 18:23 nlt

"Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him.

Matthew 18 verses

Matthew 18 23 Meaning

Matthew 18:23 serves as the introduction to the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, directly following Peter's question about the extent of forgiveness. This verse establishes that the Kingdom of Heaven, or God's sovereign rule, operates on principles demonstrated by a king's dealing with his servants concerning their financial obligations. It sets the stage for a divine lesson on the immense mercy received by humanity and the expected reciprocal mercy among believers, linking God's governmental authority with the requirement for forgiveness within His community.

Matthew 18 23 Context

Matthew 18:23 immediately follows Jesus' teaching on unlimited forgiveness (Matt 18:21-22), which was prompted by Peter's question about the frequency of forgiving a brother who sins against him. The broader context of Matthew 18 is about "greatness" in the Kingdom of Heaven, humility (Matt 18:1-5), not causing stumbling (Matt 18:6-11), the value of each lost sheep (Matt 18:12-14), church discipline (Matt 18:15-20), and ultimately, the vital importance of forgiveness within the community of believers. This parable introduces the king-servant relationship to illustrate the principle Jesus has just taught, showing that the extent of divine forgiveness toward us should shape our forgiveness of others. The cultural context involved master-slave relationships, where the master held absolute power and debt contracts were binding, making the king's mercy in the parable profoundly impactful and unexpected.

Matthew 18 23 Word analysis

• Therefore (Διὰ τοῦτο - Dia touto): This Greek conjunction signals a direct consequence or logical conclusion. It explicitly links the parable to Jesus' preceding teaching on the need for boundless forgiveness (Matt 18:21-22), emphasizing that what follows is an explanation or illustration of that principle within the Kingdom of Heaven.
• the kingdom of heaven (ἡ βασιλεία τῶν οὐρανῶν - hē basileia tōn ouranōn): A distinctive phrase used primarily by Matthew (contrasting with "kingdom of God" in other Gospels), reflecting a Jewish reverence for the divine name by avoiding directly speaking God's name. It refers to God's sovereign, active reign and rule, which is both a present reality (initiated by Jesus' ministry) and a future consummation. It signifies the sphere where God's will is done.
• may be compared (ὡμοιώθη - homoiōthē): An aorist passive indicative verb meaning "was made like" or "has been likened." This marks the beginning of a parable, indicating that the following narrative is an analogy or a similitude used to illustrate a spiritual truth about God's kingdom. It’s a comparison, not an identity.
• to a king (ἀνθρώπῳ βασιλεῖ - anthrōpō basilei): Literally "a man, a king." In this parable, the king unequivocally represents God. This portrayal emphasizes God's supreme authority, sovereignty, and rightful claim over all His creation, particularly over those who are His "servants." The image of a king would have been universally understood as one possessing ultimate power and dominion.
• who wished (ἤθελεν - ēthelen): Imperfect active indicative, indicating an intention or desire that was in process or had taken place. The king’s decision to settle accounts was deliberate and purposeful, not arbitrary. This highlights God’s intentionality in requiring accountability from His people.
• to settle accounts (συνᾶραι λόγον - synarai logon): Literally, "to take up an account together" or "to reckon a word." This idiom refers to auditing financial records, making a reckoning, or holding a judgment/review. In the spiritual sense, it denotes the moment when God calls His people to account for their stewardship, obedience, and how they have lived under His rule. It speaks of divine accountability, a principle foundational to God’s governance.
• with his servants (δούλοις αὐτοῦ - doulois autou): Greek doulos typically means "slave" or "bond-servant," implying ownership and complete subjection, rather than just hired workers. This signifies that those under God's rule are entirely beholden to Him, owing Him everything. The relationship implies not only responsibility but also complete dependence and loyalty to their master, the King.

• Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared...: This phrase transitions from the specific command to forgive to a grand illustration of how God’s divine rule operates. It signifies that the principles of the heavenly kingdom, including the magnitude of forgiveness, can be understood through an earthly scenario, bridging the gap between spiritual truths and human experience. It also underscores that the preceding teaching on forgiveness is foundational to life within God’s kingdom.
• ...a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. : This whole phrase sets the immediate scene for the parable. It portrays God as the sovereign King who initiates a period of divine reckoning with those who are accountable to Him. This is not a malicious act, but an expected exercise of a ruler's authority, indicating a just and orderly reign. The settling of accounts is a reminder that divine justice includes a time for assessing our faithfulness and obedience in light of what has been entrusted to us.

Matthew 18 23 Bonus section

The concept of "debt" in the ancient Near East was comprehensive, including financial obligations, but also social, moral, and religious liabilities. Thus, the idea of "settling accounts" encompasses all forms of human responsibility and accountability to the King (God), specifically concerning moral failings or "sins" which are depicted as spiritual debts. The immense, virtually unpayable sum (likely many talents of silver) owed by the first servant, soon to be revealed in the parable (Matt 18:24), is intentionally exaggerated to highlight the incalculable spiritual "debt" (sin) that humanity owes to God and the immeasurable nature of His mercy in forgiving such a debt. This divine action then serves as the indispensable standard for human interaction and forgiveness within the "kingdom of heaven." Parables were a master teaching tool for Jesus, not just illustrating truths but also often challenging common cultural assumptions to reveal radical divine expectations.

Matthew 18 23 Commentary

Matthew 18:23 succinctly introduces one of Jesus' most potent parables, the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant, providing a profound metaphor for understanding God's relationship with humanity and our corresponding duty to one another. The verse establishes God as the sovereign "King" who possesses ultimate authority and initiates a "settling of accounts" with His "servants." This "settling" represents God's just requirement for humanity's stewardship of all that He has given, encompassing moral and spiritual obligations, not just financial. The choice of "kingdom of heaven" highlights that these principles are inherent to God's divine rule. This parables implies that as those who are deeply indebted to God for His immeasurable grace and forgiveness, we are called to reflect that same limitless forgiveness to others within the divine economy of His kingdom. It directly answers Peter's question, revealing that forgiveness is not merely a numerical transaction but a relational principle deeply tied to the nature of God's redemptive reign and His dealings with His people.