Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

MATTHEW 18:21KJV
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Matthew 18:21 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:21 mean?

Matthew 18:21 shows Peter coming to Jesus and asking how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting the number seven as a possible limit. The verse highlights Peter’s desire to know if there is a set number of times he must forgive someone who repeatedly wrongs him.

Peter is speaking directly to Jesus, calling him "Lord," and raising a practical question about forgiveness within the community of believers. The context is a discussion about dealing with sin among followers, and Peter’s question reveals both a willingness to forgive and a curiosity about whether forgiveness has a reasonable boundary.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:21

  • ἁμαρτήσει (hamartēsei, G264): This word means "to sin." Here, it refers to a brother committing wrongs against Peter, emphasizing personal offense rather than general wrongdoing.
  • ἀφήσω (aphēsō, G863): This is the word for "forgive." In Greek, it carries the sense of letting go or sending away, highlighting that forgiveness is about releasing the offense rather than simply tolerating it.
  • ἑπτάκις (heptakis, G2034): This means "seven times." Peter’s use of this specific number suggests he thought forgiving seven times was generous, possibly more than what was commonly expected.

Why Matthew 18:21 matters

  • Matthew 18:21 clears up the idea that forgiveness should have a strict limit, setting the stage for Jesus’ response that follows in the next verse.
  • The verse reveals that even close followers of Jesus, like Peter, wrestled with practical questions about how to live out forgiveness in everyday relationships.
  • This question connects to the broader teaching in Matthew 18 about handling conflict and reconciliation within the community, showing that forgiveness is central to Jesus’ vision for his followers.

Where else these words appear

“oft” Greek G4212 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 23:37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!
  • Luke 13:34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not!

“times” Greek G2034 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
  • Luke 17:4 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.

“sin” 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.

“me” Greek G1691 · used in 77 verses

  • Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
  • John 9:4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
  • John 17:20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;