What Is the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant — In Biblical Context
Jesus told of a servant forgiven a massive debt who then refused to forgive a small debt owed to him—teaching that those forgiven by God must forgive others.
Jesus told of a servant forgiven a massive debt who then refused to forgive a small debt owed to him—teaching that those forgiven by God must forgive others.
"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?" — Matthew 18:33 (KJV)
The Biblical Context
In Matthew 18:21-35, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone, suggesting seven times. Jesus replied 'seventy times seven' and told this parable. A king forgave a servant an enormous debt of ten thousand talents, but that servant then imprisoned a fellow servant who owed him a small amount. When the king heard, he was furious and delivered the unmerciful servant to the tormentors until he paid all that was due. 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.' The parable powerfully illustrates that receiving God's immeasurable forgiveness obligates us to forgive others.
Where It Sits in Scripture
The core passage for this question, Matthew 18:33, sits inside Matthew 18. To grasp the full meaning, read the surrounding paragraph — the verses before set up the thought, the verses after carry it forward.
"Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?"
Supporting Passages
"So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses."
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