So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

MATTHEW 18:35KJV
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Matthew 18:35 (KJV)

What does Matthew 18:35 mean?

Matthew 18:35 says that God will treat people in the same way as the unforgiving servant in the parable if they do not truly forgive others from their hearts. Jesus is warning that forgiveness must be genuine and come from within, not just in words or outward actions.

Jesus is speaking to His disciples after telling a parable about a servant who was forgiven a great debt but refused to forgive a small debt owed to him. The setting is a lesson on forgiveness, showing that God expects those who have received mercy to show the same mercy to others. The verse stresses that forgiveness is not optional or superficial; it must be sincere and heartfelt.

The Greek behind Matthew 18:35

  • καρδίας (kardias, "hearts"): This word refers to the inner self, not just emotions but the center of a person's will and intentions. Jesus is emphasizing that forgiveness must come from deep within, not just as an outward gesture.
  • ἀφῆτε (aphēte, "forgive"): The Greek word here means to let go, release, or send away. It highlights the idea of completely releasing someone from what they owe, not holding onto resentment or a grudge.
  • παραπτώματα (paraptōmata, "trespasses"): This word means offenses, wrongdoings, or failures. It covers all kinds of ways someone might wrong another, showing that no offense is too small or too great to be excluded from forgiveness.

Why Matthew 18:35 matters

  • Matthew 18:35 clarifies that forgiveness is not just a formal requirement but must be heartfelt and sincere, addressing the inner attitude, not just outward actions.
  • The verse connects directly to the parable Jesus just told, making it clear that God’s forgiveness of us is tied to our willingness to forgive others.
  • This verse warns against hypocrisy—receiving mercy from God but refusing to extend it to others—showing that true discipleship involves imitating God’s mercy.

Where else these words appear

“heavenly” Greek G2032 · used in 18 verses

  • John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
  • Ephesians 1:20 Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,
  • Hebrews 3:1 Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

“trespasses” Greek G3900 · used in 20 verses

  • Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
  • Romans 5:16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift: for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences unto justification.
  • 2 Corinthians 5:19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.

“if” Greek G3362 · used in 59 verses

  • Matthew 5:20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • John 3:2 The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him.
  • Acts 15:1 And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved.

“one” Greek G1538 · used in 78 verses

  • Matthew 16:27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.
  • Romans 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
  • Galatians 6:4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.