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.