Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

MATTHEW 18:27KJV
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Matthew 18:27 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:27 mean?

Matthew 18:27 describes how the master felt deep compassion for his servant, released him from captivity, and completely forgave the enormous debt the servant owed. This act shows the master's unexpected mercy and willingness to let go of what was owed, rather than demanding repayment or punishment.

In this verse, Jesus is telling a parable to His disciples about a servant who owes his master a huge sum. The master, moved by the servant’s desperate plea, chooses to show mercy instead of enforcing justice. This moment is central to the story, highlighting the master’s kindness and the servant’s undeserved release from a crushing obligation.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:27

  • The word for "compassion" is σπλαγχνίζομαι (splagchnizomai), which means to be deeply moved or to feel strong pity from the heart. This word emphasizes that the master's response was not just a formal decision but a heartfelt emotional reaction.
  • The word for "loosed" is ἀπολύω (apolyō), which means to release or set free. In this context, it shows that the servant was not only forgiven but also physically freed from any consequences or bondage related to the debt.
  • The word for "forgave" is ἀφίημι (aphiēmi), which means to send away or cancel. Here, it means the master completely wiped out the debt, not just postponing it or reducing it.

Why Matthew 18:27 matters

  • Matthew 18:27 clarifies that the master’s forgiveness was total—he did not just reduce the debt or give more time, but fully released the servant from all obligation.
  • This verse highlights the depth of mercy in the parable, which is a key theme in Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness and how it should shape relationships among His followers.
  • Understanding the master’s emotional response and complete forgiveness helps set up the contrast with the servant’s later actions, making the lesson of the parable more striking.

Where else these words appear

“compassion” Greek G4697 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 9:36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd.
  • Matthew 20:34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes: and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.
  • Mark 9:22 And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him: but if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us.

“loosed” Greek G630 · used in 63 verses

  • Matthew 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily.
  • Mark 8:9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand: and he sent them away.
  • Luke 23:22 And he said unto them the third time, Why, what evil hath he done? I have found no cause of death in him: I will therefore chastise him, and let him go.

“servant” 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.

“forgave” Greek G863 · used in 133 verses

  • Matthew 3:15 And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.
  • Mark 2:7 Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?
  • Luke 11:42 But woe unto you, Pharisees! for ye tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God: these ought ye to have done, and not to leave the other undone.