Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

MATTHEW 18:23KJV
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Matthew 18:23 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:23 mean?

Matthew 18:23 says that the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. This sets up a story where the king represents authority and judgment, and the servants are those under his rule, showing how God’s kingdom operates with accountability.

In this verse, Jesus is speaking to His disciples, using a parable to teach about forgiveness and responsibility. The immediate context is Peter asking how many times he should forgive someone, and Jesus responds with this story to illustrate God’s expectations. The verse introduces the idea that God, like a king, will review the lives and actions of those in His kingdom.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:23

  • "kingdom" (βασιλεία, basileia): This word refers to a realm or reign, not just a physical place, highlighting that Jesus is talking about God’s rule and authority, not a geographic kingdom.
  • "likened" (ὡμοιώθη, hōmoiōthē): This means "to compare" or "to make like," signaling that what follows is a comparison meant to teach a deeper truth about God’s ways.
  • "take account" (συναρεῖ λόγον, sunarēi logon): The phrase means "to settle accounts" or "to review matters," carrying the sense of a formal reckoning or audit, which emphasizes personal responsibility before God.

Why Matthew 18:23 matters

  • Matthew 18:23 clarifies that Jesus is not just telling a story but is making a direct comparison to how God deals with people in His kingdom, focusing on accountability and mercy.
  • This verse sets the stage for the parable of the unforgiving servant, helping readers understand the seriousness of forgiveness and the consequences of failing to show mercy.
  • By describing God’s kingdom in terms of a king settling accounts, Matthew 18:23 highlights both God’s authority and the expectation that those who belong to Him will answer for their actions.

Where else these words appear

“take” Greek G4868 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
  • Matthew 25:19 After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them.

“likened” Greek G3666 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 6:8 Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.
  • Matthew 13:24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
  • Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?

“king” Greek G935 · used in 107 verses

  • Matthew 1:6 And Jesse begat David the king; and David the king begat Solomon of her that had been the wife of Urias;
  • Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand?
  • Acts 26:7 Unto which promise our twelve tribes, instantly serving God day and night, hope to come. For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused of the Jews.

“servants” Greek G1401 · used in 119 verses

  • Matthew 8:9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it.
  • Luke 12:37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.
  • 1 Corinthians 7:22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant.