And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him.

LUKE 17:4KJV
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Luke 17:4 (KJV)

What does Luke 17:4 mean?

Luke 17:4 teaches that if someone wrongs you repeatedly—even seven times in a single day—and each time comes back saying they are sorry, you are to forgive them each time. The verse emphasizes the importance of continual forgiveness, no matter how many times someone asks for it in a day.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to his disciples, instructing them about how to handle repeated offenses from others. The number "seven" is often used in the Bible to suggest completeness or fullness, so Jesus is not setting a literal limit but showing that forgiveness should not run out. The focus is on the willingness to forgive as often as someone genuinely repents, highlighting a generous and patient attitude toward others.

The Greek behind Luke 17:4

  • "trespass" (ἁμαρτήσῃ, hamartēsē): This word means to sin or do wrong. Here, it refers to someone committing a real offense against another person.
  • "repent" (μετανοῶ, metanoō): This means to change one’s mind or turn away from wrongdoing. The Greek word carries the sense of a genuine change of heart, not just saying sorry.
  • "forgive" (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi): This means to let go, release, or send away. In this context, it suggests fully releasing the person from the debt or hurt caused by their actions, not holding it against them.
  • "seven times in a day" (ἑπτὰ τῆς ἡμέρας, hepta tēs hēmeras): The Greek phrase underscores the idea of repeated, even excessive, offenses within a short period, stressing the ongoing nature of forgiveness.

Why Luke 17:4 matters

  • Luke 17:4 clears up the idea that forgiveness should have limits or that repeated offenses excuse withholding forgiveness; Jesus teaches that forgiveness is to be ongoing.
  • The verse highlights the expectation that repentance is genuine, but also that the forgiver’s responsibility is not to judge the sincerity endlessly, but to forgive when repentance is expressed.
  • This teaching fits into a broader conversation in Luke 17 about relationships among Jesus’ followers, emphasizing humility, mercy, and the challenge of living out forgiveness in real, repeated situations.

Where else these words appear

“times” Greek G2034 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
  • Matthew 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

“repent” Greek G3340 · used in 32 verses

  • Matthew 3:2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
  • Luke 13:5 I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:21 And lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and that I shall bewail many which have sinned already, and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they have committed.

“trespass” Greek G264 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:15 Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.
  • Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
  • Titus 3:11 Knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.

“again” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 16:18 And this did she many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, I command thee in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her. And he came out the same hour.