What Does '70 Times 7' Mean?
What Does '70 Times 7' Mean? When Peter asked how many times to forgive, Jesus said 'seventy times seven' — meaning forgiveness should be unlimited, not calculated or rationed.
Key verse: Matthew 18:22 (KJV)
When Peter asked how many times to forgive, Jesus said 'seventy times seven' — meaning forgiveness should be unlimited, not calculated or rationed.
When Peter asked how many times to forgive, Jesus said 'seventy times seven' — meaning forgiveness should be unlimited, not calculated or rationed.
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven." — Matthew 18:22 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
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The Biblical Answer
Peter thought he was being generous when he asked, 'Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?' (Matthew 18:21). Rabbinical teaching suggested three times was sufficient. Jesus' response — 'seventy times seven' (Matthew 18:22) — was not a mathematical limit of 490 but a declaration that forgiveness is to be without limit. He then told the parable of the unforgiving servant, who was forgiven an unpayable debt of ten thousand talents (millions) by his master but then refused to forgive a fellow servant's tiny debt of a hundred pence. The master's response was severe: 'Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?' (Matthew 18:33). Jesus concluded, 'So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses' (Matthew 18:35). The point is clear: those who have been forgiven an infinite debt by God must forgive others without keeping score.
Key Scripture References
"Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven."
"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?"
"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
Why Should Christians Forgive Others?
Jesus commands forgiveness because God has forgiven believers an unpayable debt — refusing to forgive contradicts the gospel and imprisons the unforgiving heart.
What Is Biblical Love?
Biblical love (agape) is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional — choosing the good of others regardless of feelings, modeled perfectly by Christ's death on the cross.
What Does the Bible Say About Grace?
Grace is God's unmerited favor — the free gift of salvation and blessing that cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Love?
The Bible defines love not as a feeling but as a sacrificial choice — modeled perfectly by God's gift of His Son.
How Do You Forgive Others According to the Bible?
Biblical forgiveness means releasing bitterness and choosing not to hold someone's offense against them — just as God in Christ forgave us.
Deep Dive Commentary
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Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Matthew. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Matthew on day 284 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
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