And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

MATTHEW 6:12KJV
Know the Bible

Matthew 6:12 (KJV)

What does Matthew 6:12 mean?

Matthew 6:12 is a request in the Lord’s Prayer, asking God to forgive our wrongdoings (“debts”) in the same way that we forgive those who have wronged us. The verse links receiving forgiveness from God with our willingness to forgive others.

Jesus is teaching his followers how to pray, speaking to a crowd during the Sermon on the Mount. The word “debts” here is often understood as moral or spiritual failures, not just financial obligations. The verse highlights a connection between our relationship with God and our relationships with other people, showing that forgiveness is meant to flow both ways.

The Greek behind Matthew 6:12

  • “Debts” (ὀφειλήματα, opheilēmata) refers to things owed, but in this context, it is often understood as sins or moral failings rather than just money or goods. This choice of word emphasizes the idea that our wrongs against God are like debts we cannot repay on our own.
  • “Forgive” (ἀφίημι, aphiēmi) means to let go, release, or send away. In this prayer, it suggests a complete cancellation of what is owed—an act of mercy rather than just overlooking a fault.
  • “Debtors” (ὀφειλέταις, opheiletais) are those who owe something. Here, it points to people who have wronged us, making the prayer about both receiving and giving forgiveness.

Why Matthew 6:12 matters

  • Matthew 6:12 clarifies that forgiveness is not just a private matter between a person and God, but is closely tied to how we treat others.
  • The verse helps correct the idea that forgiveness from God is automatic or unrelated to our actions; instead, it highlights a reciprocal relationship.
  • This request fits into the larger context of the Lord’s Prayer, which focuses on dependence on God for daily needs, spiritual well-being, and right relationships with others.

Where else these words appear

“debts” Greek G3783 · used in 2 verses

  • Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

“debtors” Greek G3781 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 18:24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
  • Romans 1:14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise.
  • Romans 15:27 It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.

“we” Greek G2249 · used in 121 verses

  • Matthew 9:14 Then came to him the disciples of John, saying, Why do we and the Pharisees fast oft, but thy disciples fast not?
  • Acts 13:32 And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.

“forgive” 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.